Authorities in Indiana confirmed that sheriff’s deputies responded to the home of state Senator Greg Goode after a false report of violence, which was later identified as a case of swatting. The incident occurred shortly after President Donald Trump criticized Goode on social media for not supporting the White House’s plan to redraw congressional maps, calling him a “RINO” (Republican In Name Only). According to Vigo County Sheriff Derek Fell, the event began when an email was sent to the Terre Haute Police Department falsely claiming harm had been done to individuals at Goode’s home. Deputies rushed to the scene, but no one was present, and the situation was later determined to be a prank. Goode and his family were unharmed, and the authorities confirmed it was a case of swatting.
Despite Trump’s public criticism, Goode has not publicly announced his position on redistricting, which has added to the tension within the Republican Party. The senator’s home was targeted in what authorities described as a “swatting” incident, a term used for false emergency calls meant to provoke a law enforcement response. Goode expressed gratitude for the professionalism of the sheriff and police chief, stating in a statement that he and his family were “victims” of the incident. The situation has raised concerns about the potential impact of political pressure on individual safety, particularly for politicians in sensitive positions.
The incident comes at a critical time in Indiana’s redistricting process. The state’s redistricting efforts have largely stalled, with Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray refusing to reconvene the chamber to redraw congressional maps in favor of Republicans. The White House had previously threatened to release a list of Senate Republicans resistant to gerrymandering, but no such list has been made public. Meanwhile, pro-redistricting advocates have announced plans for a statehouse rally, underscoring the ongoing debate over the issue. As Indiana lawmakers prepare to convene for organization day at the statehouse, the incident highlights the broader political and personal risks faced by politicians in the state.
Goode’s swatting incident also comes amid his public stance on redistricting. Earlier this month, he hosted a town hall in Terre Haute, where 71 individuals expressed opposition to redistricting and none supported it. This indicates a significant level of public discontent with the process, which may influence the legislative outcome. However, the political dynamics within the Republican Party remain complex, with some members aligning with Trump’s pro-redistricting agenda and others resistant to it. The swatting incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of political polarization, even as lawmakers work to navigate the challenges of redistricting and public opinion.