Biden’s Approval Rating Less Than Last 4 Presidents Who Failed To Win Second Term, Should He Drop Out?

By

Maine Secretary of State’s Home ‘Swatted’ After Trump Ballot Ruling

The residence of Shenna Bellows, Maine’s Secretary of State, was targeted in a ‘swatting’ hoax on Friday evening, as confirmed by the police the following day.

An anonymous male falsely reported breaking into Bellows’ home, prompting a response from the Maine State Police. Fortunately, Bellows and her family were not present during the incident.

This event occurred soon after Bellows made the significant decision to remove former President Trump from Maine’s 2024 Republican presidential primary ballot. Her decision, based on the 14th Amendment’s Section 3, related to alleged insurrection activities, particularly Trump’s supposed role in the January 6 riot. The disqualification followed challenges by Maine residents, including a bipartisan group of ex-lawmakers.

‘Swatting’ involves making a deceitful emergency call to trigger a heavy police response, often involving SWAT teams, to a specific location. Historically, such pranks have had tragic outcomes. For instance, a man in Ohio was imprisoned in 2019 after his ‘swatting’ call led to an accidental police killing in Kansas.

Reacting to the hoax, Bellows condemned the act as ‘unacceptable’ in a detailed Facebook statement. She expressed gratitude for the supportive messages received, highlighting the outreach from individuals who disagreed with her decision but still showed respect and care.

Bellows also mentioned the ‘unacceptable’ and ‘non-stop threatening communications’ her staff endured following her ruling, interpreting these as attempts to intimidate and silence. She praised her team at the Department of Secretary of State and acknowledged the outstanding support from law enforcement.

The Maine State Police conducted a thorough check of Bellows’ residence at her request, finding nothing unusual.

Currently, the investigation into this incident is active.

This ‘swatting’ incident involving Bellows is part of a recent pattern. On Christmas Day, Republican Representatives Brandon Wiliams of New York and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia also faced ‘swatting’ incidents. Subsequently, on Tuesday, Republican state Representative Kevin D. Miller of Ohio reported a similar experience.