In a disturbing turn of events, the alarming trend of ‘swatting’ has claimed its latest victim, 93-year-old billionaire George Soros. His Southampton, New York estate was the scene of a hoax 911 call, a tactic that has become increasingly common among high-profile individuals across the nation.
The incident occurred just before 9 p.m. on a quiet Saturday evening when an unidentified individual contacted emergency services with a harrowing claim. The caller falsely reported having shot his wife and was threatening to commit suicide at the Soros mansion located on Old Town Road. This prompted an immediate response from the Southampton Village Police, who dispatched detectives and officers to the scene.
George Soros’ Southampton estate ‘swatted’ in latest fake 911 call https://t.co/pFkYfjjdKn pic.twitter.com/wLMWpOGc6V
— New York Post (@nypost) January 1, 2024
Upon arrival, law enforcement conducted a thorough search of the premises. After securing the area and consulting with onsite security, it became evident that the report was bogus. Detective Herman Lamison of the Southampton Police confirmed the false nature of the call, stating that after speaking to security and searching the property, they found no evidence of any problem.
This malicious act against Soros is not an isolated case. The Christmas holiday period saw a spike in such incidents, with several elected officials falling prey to similar pranks. Notably, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and her family, as well as Rep. Brandon Williams, were targeted. In each instance, police responses were swift, but thankfully, no injuries were reported.
George Soros’ Southampton Village estate was swatted over the weekend after an unknown caller claimed Soros shot his wife and was considering killing himself.
How does one of the most wealthiest people in the world get swatted?
Where is his security?
Lights out Soros. NCSWIS. pic.twitter.com/R9nkWrPITS
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) January 2, 2024
The swatting epidemic extended beyond political figures, affecting individuals such as Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and a former Nebraska state senator. Additionally, three Ohio Republican officials, including Attorney General Dave Yost, faced similar threats. These hoaxes are designed to provoke a lethal police reaction by falsely alleging heinous crimes at the residences of the targets.
Further adding to the list of victims during this period were Sen. Rick Scott, whose Naples, Florida home was swatted, and George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley. Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and John Paul Mac Isaac, linked to the Hunter Biden laptop controversy, also reported being swatted. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows experienced a swatting incident shortly after a controversial political decision.
Authorities have recently uncovered a national swatting ring associated with LulzSec, a notorious hacking group known for orchestrating such pranks. Investigations have revealed a troubling pattern of children being recruited and compensated with Bitcoin to carry out these dangerous deceptions.
As the nation grapples with this new form of harassment, it’s clear that ‘swatting’ is not merely a prank but a serious criminal act with potentially deadly consequences. It is a misuse of emergency services and puts innocent lives at risk. The recent string of incidents underscores the urgent need for awareness and preventative measures to combat this growing threat to public safety.
