Area legislator reports being ‘swatted’ Christmas Day

Georgia congresswoman Majorie Taylor Greene of Rome says her home has been “swatted” at least a half-dozen times – the latest on Christmas Day. “Swatting” is the practice of reporting false crimes or other incidents requiring a first responder visit to a location.

Now, WSB-TV is reporting that at least three state senators – including one from our area – have been victimized.

Sen. Clint Dixon – who represents parts of Barrow and Gwinnett counties – says it happened to him on Christmas as well. WSB says it has also confirmed that Sen. John Albers, whose district includes Cherokee County and part of Fulton, was also a victim on Christmas but has been unable to confirm that another state senator has been victimized.

“It’s unfortunate how far some will stoop to target others,” Dixo n (pictured)wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday. “Thankfully my family and I are safe and we appreciate our local law enforcement. These threats will not stop me from serving the people of this great state. I plan to address this issue in our next legislative session. This isn’t a right or left issue. It’s an issue of public safety and those who participate in swatting should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Georgia News Network (GNN) quotes Rep. Greene as saying a prankster reported to Rome police that he shot his girlfriend at her home. Greene has been hit by swatters so often that police, in conjunction with Greene’s security team, have developed a plan that helps them spot fake calls, the GNN report says.

All of those reporting that they’ve been swatted are Republicans.