Sen. Clint Dixon, a Republican representing parts of Barrow and Gwinnett counties, plans to introduce legislation this year targeting “swatting,” the practice of falsely reporting crimes that send police and/or other first responders to the victim’s home or place of business. That’s according to a report from Capitol Beat News Service.
Dixon is among several public officials from Georgia who report being “swatted” in recent days.
EARLIER STORY: Area legislator reports being ‘swatted’ Christmas Day 97.5 Glory FM | North Georgia’s Family Radio Station (wgtjradio.com)
Since Christmas Day, three Republican state senators, a Democratic state senator, GOP Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, and U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Rome, have been targeted by swatting calls.
“This issue goes beyond politics – it’s about public safety and preserving the integrity of our institutions,” said state Sen. Clint Dixon, R-Buford, one of the victims of swatting, who announced Thursday that he will back legislation strengthening penalties for false reporting and misuse of police forces.
“We will not stand for these threats of violence and intimidation. Those involved in swatting must be held accountable under the full extent of the law.”
Besides Dixon, other state senators targeted by swatting calls include Republicans John Albers of Roswell and Kay Kirkpatrick of Marietta, and Democrat Kim Jackson of Stone Mountain.
Greene told The Hill, a Washington, D.C.-based newspaper covering Congress, that her two daughters were targets of swatting on Thursday, just days after she experienced what she estimated was the eighth swatting call aimed at her.