Trump nominees targeted in series of threats, spokesperson says

(The Hill) - Multiple nominees and appointees tapped to serve in President-elect Trump’s incoming administration were targeted with threats this week, a spokesperson for the transition said Wednesday, though it was unclear how many were affected.

Karoline Leavitt, who will serve as White House press secretary beginning in January, said “several” of Trump’s Cabinet picks were the subject of bomb threats and “swatting,” which refers to making false emergency calls targeting an individual’s residence.

“In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted," Leavitt said in a statement. "President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action."

“President Trump and the Transition are focused on doing the work of uniting our nation by ensuring a safe and prosperous future,” she continued. “With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us.”

Leavitt did not specify who was targeted or where the threats took place, but said they happened on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Threats of political violence have become increasingly common in recent years, and Trump was the target of two assassination attempts earlier this year during the presidential campaign. He was grazed by a bullet during a shooting in Butler, Pa., in July — where he later returned to hold an event — and a September attempt near his Florida golf club that was thwarted before the suspect could fire any shots.

Politicians in both parties last year also reported that they were the subject of “swatting” attempts on Christmas Day.