swat team police vehicle
Swatting involves prank-calling 911 to get a heavily armed SWAT team to show up at the home of an unsuspecting victim.
  • A number of prominent Republicans have been targeted by recent swatting attempts.
  • Swatting involves false reports to the police, who then show up at the victim's home.
  • Lawmakers are mulling legislation to strengthen penalties for swatting and better trace the callers.

A recent spate of "swatting" incidents across the country ā€” largely targeting Republican politicians ā€” has flummoxed police departments and endangered victims this holiday season, prompting lawmakers to call for stronger legislation against swatting and harsher penalties.