Latest news with #Szabo
CBS News
a day ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Swatting hoaxer admits to scheme targeting dozens of members of Congress and social media influencers
Thomasz Szabo was an invisible menace, according to federal prosecutors. His alleged targets: They are quite visible. Szabo, a Romanian national, has pleaded guilty to leading a scheme to target dozens of politicians and social media influencers with a wave of "swatting" attacks. According to court filings, Szabo began building a network of "swatters" in 2018 to unleash havoc on public figures in the United States. In a swatting hoax, a false emergency call is made to police to lure a SWAT team to a target's home. The swatting call often falsely claims a mass shooting or hostage situation is underway, so as to create an exceptionally large police response and raise the risk of a confrontation at the victim's home. According to the Justice Department, "Szabo made false reports to U.S. law enforcement including a threat in December 2020 to commit a mass shooting at New York City synagogues, and a threat in January 2021 to detonate explosives at the U.S. Capitol and kill the President-elect"—likely referring to Joe Biden. A plea agreement reviewed by CBS News said Szabo's co-conspirators also targeted at least 25 members of Congress or their families, six executive branch officials and Cabinet members, judges, members of the media and at least two dozen former government officials. He was extradited from Romania late last year and will be sentenced on federal conspiracy and threat charges in October. According to the court filings, Szabo's conspiracy sought to victimize targets with large audiences and social media followings, amplifying the impact of the attacks. "The defendant sought to target those who would react publicly to having been swatted." His plea agreement said Szabo's conspiracy would target "streamers" who were broadcasting or speaking to an audience online during the attacks. Among those who say they were targeted was a prolific conservative social media figure known as "Catturd," who posted earlier this week to his 3 million X followers, "This is the guy who swatted me the first three times." Szabo publicized his "swatting" activity to his followers and encouraged them to engage in similar behavior, court documents say. Prosecutors said, "One of (his) subordinates bragged to Szabo: 'I did 25+ swattings today," and, 'creating massive havoc in [A]merica. $500,000+ in taxpayers wasted in just two days." Szabo sought to find and inspire others to execute swattings, according to the Justice Department. Former Department of Homeland Security Undersecretary of Intelligence John Cohen told CBS News, "Increasingly, swatters are doing more than just incentivizing or inspiring attacks. We are seeing the posting of content that is intended to give people detailed instructions on how to carry out the activity." Cohen said the technology and techniques employed by swatters are becoming more sophisticated and potent. "If a swatting call involves reporting a fictitious active shooter event, they'll use artificial intelligence-generated sound effects depicting the sounds of gunfire. That's meant to give it credibility," Cohen said. In Szabo's case, prosecutors alleged he used an internet-based phone platform to execute some hoaxes, which could mask identifying information about Szabo or his co-conspirators. Although charging documents do not name which members of Congress were targeted and disrupted by Szabo or his co-conspirators, several lawmakers have publicly acknowledged being victims of recent swatting attacks across the country. In a 2023 case spotlighted by CBS News, then-Rep. Brandon Williams, a central New York Republican, said the swatting happened on Christmas Day at his home. Williams told CBS News, "I organized my family in the kitchen and told them to hang out and keep their hands visible," to avoid any confusion by officers when police arrived. Williams said the swatting attack put his family in danger. After the police came inside to confirm the call was a hoax, Williams said he began packing the deputies bags with his holiday cookies. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, has publicly posted about a series of recent swatting incidents, including one on Christmas Day 2023, the same day Williams was targeted. Greene wrote on social media at the time, "I was just swatted. This is like the 8th time. On Christmas with my family here. My local police are the GREATEST and shouldn't have to deal with this." Two other high-profile swatting victims from December 2023: Special Counsel Jack Smith and U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who prosecuted and oversaw one of the federal criminal cases against President Trump, respectively. Swatting has vexed law enforcement for years — wasting police resources and, in at least one 2017 case unrelated to Szabo, ending in a fatal police shooting. Authorities are also contending with a rise in threats against public officials — from lawmakers to judges and prosecutors — including an eerie and menacing trend in which judges are sent unsolicited pizza orders, indicating that some unknown person knows their personal address. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a statement about Szabo's guilty plea in federal court in Washington, D.C. "This defendant led a dangerous swatting criminal conspiracy, deliberately threatening dozens of government officials with violent hoaxes and targeting our nation's security infrastructure from behind a screen overseas," Bondi said.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Romanian pleads guilty to swatting calls targeting former US president, lawmakers
A Romanian citizen pleaded guilty on Monday to leading a years-long conspiracy targeting dozens of individuals — including members of Congress, places of worship, and a former United States president — with 'swatting' calls and bomb threats intended to provoke fear and solicit a police response. Thomasz Szabo, 26, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in Washington, D.C., to one count of conspiracy and one count of threats and false information regarding explosives. The sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 23. Federal prosecutors say Szabo was the leader of an online community that engaged in bomb threats and 'swatting' — a term that refers to making false reports of an ongoing threat of violence — since late 2020. He was extradited from Romania in November 2024, the DOJ said. 'This defendant led a dangerous swatting criminal conspiracy, deliberately threatening dozens of government officials with violent hoaxes and targeting our nation's security infrastructure from behind a screen overseas,' Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. 'This case reflects our continued focus on protecting the American people and working with international partners to stop these threats at their source,' she continued. Szabo made numerous false reports to law enforcement, including in December 2020, when he threatened to commit a mass shooting at New York City synagogues and, in January 2021, when he threatened to detonate explosives at the U.S. Capitol and to kill then-President-elect Biden, according to a DOJ press release. Members of Szabo's group then engaged in a 'spree of swatting and bomb threats' from Dec. 24, 2023, to early January 2024, the DOJ said. During that time, the group targeted at least 25 members of Congress or their family members; at least six officials who were, either then or previously, serving as a senior Executive Branch official, including multiple Cabinet-level officials; at least 13 senior federal law enforcement officials; and various members of the judiciary, according to the DOJ. The DOJ said the group also targeted at least 27 officials who were serving at the time, or who previously served, as state government officials or their family members; four religious institutions; and multiple members of the media. In recent years, political violence and 'swatting' incidents have been on the rise, in particular targeting members of Congress and other high-profile public figures. Local Georgia news outlets reported that among the officials targeted by Szabo are Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Georgia State Sen. Clint Dixon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
2 days ago
- General
- The Hill
Romanian pleads guilty to swatting calls targeting former US president, lawmakers
A Romanian citizen pleaded guilty on Monday to leading a years-long conspiracy targeting dozens of individuals — including members of Congress, places of worship, and a former United States president — with 'swatting' calls and bomb threats intended to provoke fear and solicit a police response. Thomasz Szabo, 26, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in Washington, D.C., to one count of conspiracy and one count of threats and false information regarding explosives. The sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 23. Federal prosecutors say Szabo was the leader of an online community that engaged in bomb threats and 'swatting' — a term that refers to making false reports of an ongoing threat of violence — since late 2020. He was extradited from Romania in November 2024, the DOJ said. 'This defendant led a dangerous swatting criminal conspiracy, deliberately threatening dozens of government officials with violent hoaxes and targeting our nation's security infrastructure from behind a screen overseas,' Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. 'This case reflects our continued focus on protecting the American people and working with international partners to stop these threats at their source,' she continued. Szabo made numerous false reports to law enforcement, including in December 2020, when he threatened to commit a mass shooting at New York City synagogues and, in January 2021, when he threatened to detonate explosives at the U.S. Capitol and to kill then-President-elect Biden, according to a DOJ press release. Members of Szabo's group then engaged in a 'spree of swatting and bomb threats' from Dec. 24, 2023, to early January 2024, the DOJ said. During that time, the group targeted at least 25 members of Congress or their family members; at least six officials who were, either then or previously, serving as a senior Executive Branch official, including multiple Cabinet-level officials; at least 13 senior federal law enforcement officials; and various members of the judiciary, according to the DOJ. The DOJ said the group also targeted at least 27 officials who were serving at the time, or who previously served, as state government officials or their family members; four religious institutions; and multiple members of the media. In recent years, political violence and 'swatting' incidents have been on the rise, in particular targeting members of Congress and other high-profile public figures. Local Georgia news outlets reported that among the officials targeted by Szabo are Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Georgia State Sen. Clint Dixon.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
Romanian Man Pleads Guilty After 'Swatting' Marjorie Taylor Greene
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. A Romanian man has pleaded guilty in federal court to orchestrating a nationwide swatting campaign that included targeting Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. Why It Matters "Swatting" is a dangerous criminal hoax that involves falsely reporting violent emergencies to prompt heavily armed police raids. The practice can lead to serious injuries—or even deaths—when law enforcement responds under the impression that lives are at risk. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., arrives for a meeting of House Republicans in the Capitol Visitor Center on the budget reconciliation bill on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., arrives for a meeting of House Republicans in the Capitol Visitor Center on the budget reconciliation bill on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/AP What To Know According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 26-year-old Thomasz Szabo admitted to leading a sprawling, coordinated effort to trigger armed police responses to homes, government offices, and religious institutions where no emergency existed. Szabo was first arrested in August 2024 alongside Nemanja Radovanovic from Serbia. The pair were accused of organizing swatting calls and plotting bomb threats dating as far back as December 2020. Two threats federal prosecutors highlighted were a December 2020 threat to commit mass shootings at New York City synagogues and a January 2021 threat to detonate explosives at the U.S. Capitol. Szabo's campaign, carried out between December 2023 and January 2024 with the help of co-conspirators, affected at least 40 private citizens and 61 public officials across the country, including at least 25 members of Congress and their family members, multiple current or former senior members of the executive branch, members of the federal judiciary, religious leaders, and an unnamed former U.S. president. Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Georgia State Senator Clint Dixon were among those targeted. According to the indictment, Szabo told Radovanovic that they should pick targets from both the Republican and Democratic parties because "we are not on any side." One of Szabo's highest-profile targets was Greene, a staunch supporter of President Trump. Greene, who has previously been criticized for promoting conspiracy theories—including one about "Jewish space lasers" causing wildfires—had already been a target of swatting attempts prior to Szabo's involvement. In August 2022, Greene reported being swatted at her Georgia home and described the incident as "traumatizing." At the time, she condemned the attack and vowed accountability: "I don't care what political party you are — this is evil. This is not OK. And I will find out who swatted my house. And I will do everything in my power to bring them to justice." In 2023, Greene said she was swatted on Christmas Day at home with her family. "I was just swatted," Greene wrote on X at the time. "This is like the 8th time. On Christmas with my family here." "My local police are the GREATEST and shouldn't have to deal with this. I appreciate them so much and my family and I are in joyous spirits celebrating the birth of our savior Jesus Christ!" Greene wrote. What People Are Saying Lauren Greene, Representative Greene's daughter, said on X: "This man has swatted my mom, @mtgreenee many times. He has swatted my family, my house included." Attorney General Pam Bondi said: "This defendant led a dangerous swatting criminal conspiracy, deliberately threatening dozens of government officials with violent hoaxes and targeting our nation's security infrastructure from behind a screen overseas. This case reflects our continued focus on protecting the American people and working with international partners to stop these threats at their source." Special Agent in Charge McCool: "This plea agreement is a testament to the extraordinary investigative work, tenacity, and global reach of the U.S. Secret Service and our partners. "This perpetrator hid behind a computer screen on the other side of the world believing he could commit these crimes with impunity. It was a gross miscalculation to underestimate our determination in pursuing and bringing to justice those who would commit these crimes, wherever they may be." Assistant Director in Charge Jensen of the Washington Field Office said: "Swatting is not just a prank, it is a serious violation of the law. Today's guilty plea makes clear those engaged these actions will face justice." What Happens Next Charges against Radovanovic remain pending, and online court records show he has not yet appeared in court in Washington, D.C. Szabo is set to be sentenced on October 23 by U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in the nation's capital.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Romanian man pleads guilty to ‘swatting' plot that targeted Marjorie Taylor Green, other Georgia lawmakers
The Brief A Romanian man has pleaded guilty to engaging in a plot to use "swatting" calls and bomb threats to target national and Georgia lawmakers. Prosecutors say the group, which was led by Thomasz Szabo, deliberately targeted both sides of the political aisle to cause chaos. Georgia state Sen. Clint Dixon was one of the group's victims and described to FOX 5 the experience of being swatted during Christmas in 2023. WASHINGTON, D.C. - A Romanian man has pleaded guilty to engaging in a plot to use "swatting" calls and bomb threats to intimidate and threaten dozens of people with bogus police emergencies, including several Georgia political leaders. Investigators say Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, and Georgia state Sen. Clint Dixonwere also among those targeted by Thomasz Szabo. What we know In August 2024, federal authorities say they arrested Szabo and Nemanja Radovanovic of Serbia, accusing the pair of organizing swatting calls and plotting bomb threats dating as far back as December 2020. Szabo, also known as "Plank," "Jonah," and "Cypher," pleaded guilty before a U.S. District Court judge on Monday to one count of conspiracy and one count of threats and false information regarding explosives. Prosecutors say the Romanian man was the leader of the group and targeted at least 25 members of Congress and their family members, multiple current or former senior members of the executive branch, members of the federal judiciary, religious leaders, and an unnamed former U.S. president. Szabo told Radovanovic that they should pick targets from both the Republican and Democratic parties because "we are not on any side," the indictment says. Two threats federal prosecutors highlighted were a December 2020 threat to commit mass shootings at New York City synagogues and a January 2021 threat to detonate explosives at the U.S. Capitol. During that time period, one of Szasbo's subordinates reportedly bragged him: "I did 25+ swattings today," and "creating massive havoc in [A]merica. $500,000+ in taxpayers wasted in just two days." Local perspective Sen. Clint Dixon told FOX 5 after the arrest that he and his family were the victims of a swatting call at Christmas in 2023. "My wife was actually upstairs packing. We were leaving for a trip the next day. I was watching football. She started screaming that police were coming up our steps on our front porch. She saw it on the Ring doorbell," he recalled. The SWAT officers were responding to a 911 call from someone reporting a dangerous domestic dispute at Dixon's address. "Met by, I think it was, SWAT team members who alerted me that there had been a call of a domestic dispute that a male had shot a female," he said. "They asked where my wife was and by that time, she comes running down the stairs, and they realized it was a hoax." What they're saying "This defendant led a dangerous swatting criminal conspiracy, deliberately threatening dozens of government officials with violent hoaxes and targeting our nation's security infrastructure from behind a screen overseas," said Attorney General Bondi. "This case reflects our continued focus on protecting the American people and working with international partners to stop these threats at their source." "This plea agreement is a testament to the extraordinary investigative work, tenacity, and global reach of the U.S. Secret Service and our partners," said Special Agent in Charge McCool. "This perpetrator hid behind a computer screen on the other side of the world believing he could commit these crimes with impunity. It was a gross miscalculation to underestimate our determination in pursuing and bringing to justice those who would commit these crimes, wherever they may be." "Swatting is not just a prank, it is a serious violation of the law," said Assistant Director in Charge Jensen of the Washington Field Office. "Today's guilty plea makes clear those engaged these actions will face justice." What's next Charges against Radovanovic are still pending. Online court records indicate that he hasn't made any court appearances in Washington yet. Szabo is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 23 by U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in Washington, D.C. The Source Information for this report came from a release by the U.S. Justice Department and previous FOX 5 interviews with Sen. Clint Dixon. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
