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Newsweek
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
FBI Issues Advice on 'Swatting' Threat Across US
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The FBI has issued a public service announcement warning Americans about the dangers of "swatting." Swatting is the criminal practice of calling law enforcement, for example a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, to someone's house in order to harass or intimidate them. The FBI has been contacted via email outside of working hours for further comment. SWAT officers gain entry during a simulated domestic disturbance in the Travertine model home, San Francisco. SWAT officers gain entry during a simulated domestic disturbance in the Travertine model home, San Francisco. Paul Chinn/San Francisco Chronicle via AP Why It Matters Swatting exploits emergency response systems, leaving them less available to do their jobs. Additionally, raids from SWAT teams and other forms of armed law enforcement can result in loss of life and PTSD for those whose house was raided. There is a case in front of the Supreme Court this week, Martin v. United States, suing the federal government over physical and psychological damage incurred by a SWAT team. This case does not involve the practice of swatting but demonstrates the harm that can be done by a SWAT team raiding an incorrect house. What To Know Although the FBI has said it is "aware of multiple recent 'swatting' incidents" targeting a wide range of individuals and institutions, the most high profile swatting incidents over the past few months have been instances of right-wing influencers becoming swatting targets. In mid-March, FBI Director Kash Patel said he was investigating swatting calls after noting an uptick in conservative media figures saying they were targeted by them. Conservative media show hosts Joe Pagliarulo of The Joe Pags Show, Shawn Farash of UNGOVERNED, and commentator Nick Sortor have all said they are swatting victims. Sortor has said he believes sending a SWAT team to his house is essentially "attempted murder." This week's advisory says "threat actors" use various tools and tactics to facilitate swatting. They "compile sensitive information from a wide range of publicly available sources, including online accounts," and often employ spoofing technology to hide their identities, according to the FBI. This may involve falsifying the origin of calls or messages to make it appear as though a threat is coming from the intended swatting victim. The FBI has urged the public to take proactive steps to protect themselves. Recommendations include reviewing one's digital footprint for sensitive data, limiting the sharing of personal content online, using strong and unique passwords, and enabling multifactor authentication on accounts and smart devices. While the FBI is warning people about the dangers of sending a SWAT team to the wrong house, the government argued in front of the Supreme Court on April 29 that "government agents are not liable for acts within their federal duties." Meaning, the government believes that law enforcement should not be held responsible for any damage incurred during a SWAT raid—regardless of if the raid was in the wrong house or the result of a hoax. What People Are Saying The FBI said in its advisory on Tuesday: "Swatting is the malicious tactic of making hoax calls or reports to emergency services, typically feigning an immediate threat to life. Swatting is intended to draw a large response from SWAT teams or other law enforcement resources to an unsuspecting victim's location, causing chaos and the potential for injury or violence." FBI Director Kash Patel on X (formerly Twitter): "Swatting is not a prank—it's a crime that puts lives at risk. My team and I are already taking action to hold perpetrators accountable. This has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with public safety. We won't tolerate the weaponization of law enforcement." Swatting is not a prank—it's a crime that puts lives at risk. My team and I are already taking action to hold perpetrators accountable. This has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with public safety. We won't tolerate the weaponization of law enforcement. — FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) April 29, 2025 What Happens Next Anyone who suspects they are a victim of swatting is advised to remain calm and cooperate fully with responding officers, the FBI advises. Victims should preserve any related information, including usernames, email addresses, platforms or messages associated with the incident. Swatting attempts and hoaxes should be reported immediately to local law enforcement. For nonemergency reports or to provide tips, call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or visit
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The People's Union USA: Group Behind Economic Blackout Today
Black Friday shoppers crowd into the Westfield Centre Mall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019 Credit - San Francisco Chronicle Getty/Paul Chinn—Getty Images U.S. consumers have been encouraged to participate in a 24-hour buying boycott today, targeting all economic activity—especially major retailers—as a way to show politicians that everyday consumers can control the economy. The blackout was organized by The People's Union USA and is the movement's first action, described as 'a symbolic start to economic resistance, a day where we show corporations and politicians that we control the economy,' per the group's website. Consumers wishing to participate were instructed to not shop online, or in-store, and not to spend money on gas and fast food. They were also advised not to use their credit or debit cards for non-essential spending. The People's Union USA website made a point of noting that consumers can buy 'necessary' essentials including food and medicine, while maintaining the key aim of supporting small, local businesses. Here's everything to know about the movement behind the "economic blackout." The People's Union USA is a 'movement of people' organized to show consumers that they are 'stronger together,' according to the group's website. 'If you believe in taking back power, breaking free from economic control, and building a future where the people 'not corporations' decide the direction of this country, then join us today,' the website reads in a call to action. The People's Union USA has also planned more 24-hour boycotts in March and April, as well as specific and targeted boycotts in later months, including an Amazon-focused boycott in early March, a Néstle-centric boycott in late March, and a Walmart-aimed boycott in April. The movement has reportedly fundraised over $80,000 as of Friday morning, according to the GoFundMe page linked on its website. The People's Union says the money will go to 'legal fees, organization development, web development, outreach, marketing, event organization, and more.' On the 'Your Donations' tab of the movement's website, they break down their expenses so far. The group's goal is to 'unionize the people,' which would eventually include establishing a nonprofit organization and legal representation, and organizing membership in order to 'establish the infrastructure necessary for a functioning nationwide union or citizens.' The movement specifies on its website that it is not affiliated with any political party, but rather aims to 'transcend political labels.' "We are a movement for ALL people, regardless of race, gender, religion, or political affiliation,' the movement states on its Frequently Asked Questions page. 'We fight for fairness, economic justice, and real systemic change, something neither party has prioritized.' Though they are not affiliated with a political party, they still have political stances publicized online. Under a question about whether they support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which has come under fire by the Trump Administration, the movement reiterated their firm support. 'We stand firmly for equality and freedom for ALL people, regardless of race, gender, background, or identity,' their position reads. 'The idea that companies and institutions should abandon diversity and inclusivity is regressive and unacceptable.' Other political stances on the website include advocating for no more federal income taxes for American citizens, making basic goods affordable, term limits for Congress, universal free healthcare, and more. They also state that they are not against any one specific individual—President Donald Trump and new DOGE Administrator Elon Musk included: 'This movement is not about one person… Our focus is systemic change, not political drama.' The People's Union USA was founded by John Schwarz, according to its website, a Queens-born musician and meditation teacher. 'I am not a politician. I am not a corporate backed activist,' he said in his bio. 'I am just a man who has lived through struggle, seen the truth, and decided to do something about it.' Schwarz describes the struggle throughout his life, and how that showed him that 'the system wasn't built for people like 'him.'' 'It didn't matter what religion, spiritual belief, or political affiliation someone had,' his bio reads. 'The system is designed to keep all of us trapped.' The People's Union does not have a founding date on its website, but Schwarz began posting about his idea for the movement and the economic boycott in late January and early February, 2025. 'The People's Union is here and our website is live.' Schwarz said in an Instagram post on Feb. 5. 'This is no longer just a moment, this is truly a revolution of the people.' Contact us at letters@
