Mobile Courant

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, along with Senators Rick Scott and Mike Rounds, has introduced the Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act. This proposed legislation aims to expand federal criminal hoax laws to specifically target "swatting" incidents. Swatting involves reporting false crimes to law enforcement with the intent of provoking an emergency response at a specific location. The bill seeks to impose severe penalties for swatting, including up to 20 years in prison if someone is seriously injured as a result.

Senator Tuberville emphasized the seriousness of swatting, sharing his personal experience: “Swatting is a serious problem that must be addressed,” he said. “My home was swatted twice around Christmas last year in a dangerous attempt to intimidate my family and me." He further stated that law enforcement resources should not be wasted on such hoaxes.

Senator Scott also expressed strong condemnation of swatting: “The cowards behind ‘swatting’ calls intentionally waste the time and resources of law enforcement and put people in danger in an attempt to inflict fear in communities and terrorize their targets.” He noted that swatters have targeted his own family’s home as well as those of public officials.

In the House of Representatives, Representative David Kustoff is leading the charge for this legislation, with support from several co-sponsors across party lines.

The bill has received endorsements from major law enforcement organizations including the National Association of Police Organizations, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the National Sheriffs’ Association.