NW Tennessee News

Congressman David Kustoff has introduced a bipartisan and bicameral piece of legislation aimed at addressing the issue of swatting. The Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025 seeks to impose strict penalties for swatting, which is defined by the Department of Homeland Security as "making malicious hoax calls to emergency services to falsely report an ongoing emergency such as a violent crime or explosive device at a certain location." This act is designed to provoke a large-scale response from law enforcement.

The bill, introduced alongside Reps. John Rutherford, Josh Gottheimer, Laurel Lee, Jared Moskowitz, Mike Ezell, Henry Cuellar, and Seth Magaziner in the House, has a companion bill in the Senate introduced by Senators Rick Scott, Tommy Tuberville, and Mike Rounds. It aims to deter swatting incidents by enforcing penalties that could include up to 20 years in prison if someone is seriously harmed due to such an attack.

Congressman Kustoff emphasized his understanding of the chaos caused by swatting from his experience as a former United States Attorney. He stated: "Given the recent rise in swatting incidents across the country, I am glad to lead my colleagues in introducing the Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act."

Senator Scott expressed his concerns about swatting attempts on various public figures and emphasized that those responsible must face real consequences. "Swatters have attempted attacks on my family’s home... it has to stop," he said.

Other supporters of the bill highlighted similar concerns. Congressman Rutherford noted that "the dangerous rise of swatting puts our communities and officers at unnecessary risk." Congressman Gottheimer pointed out how swatting diverts resources from first responders' essential duties.

The proposed legislation has received endorsements from several law enforcement organizations including the National Association of Police Organizations and the Fraternal Order of Police.