Indiana Republican targeted in pipe bomb threat over redistricting

OLDENBURG, Ind. (WISH) — Indiana Republican Sen. Jean Leising says she’s become the latest target in a string of violent threats and acts of intimidation against Indiana politicians who oppose redrawing the state’s congressional maps. 

On social media, Leising said she was “the target of a pipe bomb threat,” which she blamed on “D.C. political pundits” in favor of redistricting. 

At least seven other Indiana state senators have been threatened or had officers show up to their homes in targeted swatting incidents, where someone makes a false emergency report to evoke a large response from law enforcement. Gov. Mike Braun and Indianapolis City-County Councilmember Nick Roberts have also reported personal threats, which have sparked multiple investigations by Indiana State Police. 

Detailing this latest threat, which Leising said happened Saturday evening, Leising reasserted her opposition to redistricting. She represents a seven-county district in Southeastern Indiana. 

“Thanks to the Oldenburg Town Marshall, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the ISP, all is okay!” Leising wrote.

The Indiana House plans to gavel in on Monday to discuss redistricting, with the Senate scheduled to make a final decision after reconvening on Dec. 8. 

While President Donald Trump has personally called on Indiana lawmakers to create more Republican-friendly congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterms, it’s still not clear whether the effort has the support to succeed. 

Indiana’s current congressional maps were drawn by Republicans in 2021 and maintained a 7-2 GOP majority.

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