Judges overseeing Trump cases in New York and DC are latest targets as bogus 'swatting' calls surge

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., speaks at a press conference on appropriations with members of the House Freedom Caucus and conservative senators on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023 in Washington. A spate of false reports of shootings at the homes of public officials in recent days could be setting the stage for stricter penalties against so-called swatting in more states..(AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

Bomb threats and false reports of shootings at the homes of public officials, state capitols and courthouses have surged in recent weeks, including some connected to court cases against former President Donald Trump.

The judges overseeing the civil fraud case against Trump in New York and the criminal election subversion case against him in Washington, D.C. have both been targeted in recent days. Also, Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith was the subject of a fake emergency call on Christmas Day.

A series of public officials from across the political spectrum were targeted by swatting over the holidays, and last week, state Capitol buildings and courthouses in states across the U.S. were locked down and evacuated after receiving bomb threats. No explosives were found, and no one was hurt.