State police open investigation after 3 Indiana senators targeted in swatting incidents

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana State Police has opened an investigation into multiple swatting incidents targeting members of the Indiana General Assembly, the most recent occurring Thursday morning.

According to police, swatting involves “making false emergency reports to law enforcement to provoke a large-scale response, posing potential dangers to all involved.” Swatting is illegal, and can result in a Level 6 felony in Indiana.

The swatting calls against state lawmakers started last week after President Donald Trump publicly criticized the Indiana Senate and Republican senators for deciding to not meet and discuss redistricting in December.

Three Indiana senators have been targeted as of Thursday: Sen. Greg Goode (R-Terre Haute); Sen. Dan Dernulc (R-Highland); and Sen. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette).

No injuries have been reported as a result of the swatting incidents; Dernulc and Deery have said in statements that local authorities spotted the fake SWAT calls and contacted the senators to alert them of the threat.

State police say they are collaborating with local, county, and federal law enforcement to identify those responsible for the calls.

Anyone with information on those behind the swatting incidents were asked to contact Indiana State Police at iifc@iifc.in.gov.

Statement from Sen. Spencer Deery

This morning local law enforcement thwarted an attempted swatting attack on me and my family. 

At about 8 a.m. I was notified that dispatch had received a report of domestic abuse at my address and that there would be a threat of violence to any officers who responded.   

I am grateful to the West Lafayette Police Department for their professionalism and preparedness to recognize this as a swatting attempt that could be resolved without putting my children, or the children on our street who were preparing to board school busses, in a dangerous and stressful situation. Instead, West Lafayette police were able to respond to the call in a professional, safe and appropriate manner. 

It is disturbing that anyone would attempt to harm or intimidate lawmakers, but sadly not all that surprising in the current environment. When our family decided to enter the public arena four years ago, we knew our lives would change, but we believed then – and still believe today – that it is important for people who are committed to representing the people with integrity and an attitude of public service to step up. We will continue to do our duty and to do what is in the best interest of our district, no matter the threats.   

The swatting attempt on our home was preceded the night before by someone sending an unpaid pizza delivery to my address. This may seem like a harmless prank, and it certainly isn’t as serious as a swatting, but it still is an attempt to intimidate an elected official by conveying ‘we know where you live’. Even this less serious tactic should be condemned and never normalized.

Statement from Sen. Dan Dernulc

Today, my family and I were victims of a swatting attempt, but local law enforcement officials were quick to analyze it, recognize the report was false and inform me of the attempt.

It is scary and shocking to me that someone would go so far to try to cause harm or fear to me or my family. I have always done my best to serve my community, be their voice, and work alongside them and my colleagues at the Statehouse to help make Indiana a great state. It is sad because of these efforts and work that I am villainized in some minds to the point of harmful retaliation. Threats to public officials cannot and should not be the norm. I hope to see justice for this illegal behavior.

I appreciate the Highland Police Department, who worked thoroughly to determine that my family and I were safe.

I will continue my work and represent Senate District 1 to the best of my ability in the coming legislative session.

Related coverage

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• Gov. Braun calls out Indiana Senate on redistricting following ‘great call’ with Trump
• Indiana Senate leader silent as Braun, Trump increase redistricting pressure
• Indiana Gov. Mike Braun addresses redistricting, discusses state’s focus on business

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