Several of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet appointees and administration appointees were targeted by “violent” threats Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday.
“These attacks ranged from bomb threats to ‘swatting,'” Leavitt said. “In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action.”
Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Trump adviser Jason Miller arrive at the criminal trial of former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Manhattan Criminal Court on May 29, 2024 in New York City.
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Trump’s chosen office for US ambassador to the UN New York GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik said in an X post that she was one of those targeted.
Rep. Elise Stefanik sits before President-elect Donald Trump arrives at the House GOP conference call, November 13, 2024, in Washington.
Alex Brandon/AP
“This morning, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, her husband, and their three-year-old son were on their way home from Washington, D.C., to Saratoga County for Thanksgiving when they received a bomb threat to their residence. New York State, County law enforcement and the US Capitol. The police responded immediately with a level of professionalism. with the greatest”, stated the note, before thanking the action of the law enforcement officers.
The FBI said it was taking the threats “seriously.”
“The FBI is aware of numerous bomb threats and incidents against incoming administration candidates and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners. We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage the public to report them immediately. Report a suspect to law enforcement,” he said. the agency said in a statement.
AFPI President and CEO Brooke Rollins arrives to speak at the America First Policy Institute’s Agenda Summit on July 26, 2022 in Washington, DC.
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Brooke Rollins, Trump’s pick for agriculture secretary, said she was the target of a threat Wednesday morning.
“We learned this morning that a threat was issued against our home and family. Thanks to the quick efforts of @fortworthpd, we were unharmed and returned home quickly. I want to express my gratitude to the law enforcement who did their best, yes in both speed and specialty to protect us, as they protect our community every day,” he said in a statement.
New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin addresses supporters at an election night event on Nov. 9, 2022, in New York City.
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Lee Zeldin, who was tapped by former congressman Trump to lead the EPA, said Wednesday that he was also targeted.
“A bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent with a pro-Palestinian message,” he said in a statement. “My family and I were not home and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops. We are grateful for the quick actions of local officers to keep our family, neighbors and local community safe.”
Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Trump adviser Jason Miller arrive at the criminal trial of former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Manhattan Criminal Court on May 29, 2024 in New York.
Doug Mills/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, also said he was the target of a bomb threat.
This morning, a policeman came to our house when our seven children were still sleeping.” Hegseth said X. “Officers informed my wife and I that they had received a credible bomb threat directed at me and my family. We are all safe and the threat has been cleared. We would like to thank law enforcement for their professionalism and courage.”
ABC News’ Jack Date contributed to this report.
