Authorities responded to the home of Matt Gaetz, the former Florida congressman and recent nominee for Attorney General in President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration, after reports of a pipe bomb threat.
The Trump transition team confirmed that several individuals, including Pete Hegseth (nominated for Secretary of Veterans Affairs), John Ratcliffe (proposed for Secretary of Homeland Security), and Elise Stefanik (nominated for Secretary of Education), were also targeted with bomb or death threats. Businessman Howard Lutnick, tapped to serve as Secretary of Commerce, was among those named.
Melanie Zanona from Punchbowl News reported on social media that a bomb-sniffing dog initially investigated Gaetz’s mailbox but could not confirm the presence of explosives. As a result, a bomb squad was dispatched to the property to ensure the area’s safety.
A family member of Gaetz was also targeted, according to law enforcement officials. The threats were issued on the eve of Thanksgiving, a time when cabinet members would typically be at home with their families.
Gaetz, known for his staunch support of Trump and fiery rhetoric during his time in Congress, has long been a polarizing figure. His nomination for Attorney General drew praise from conservatives and criticism from the left, with opponents questioning his legal qualifications and citing past controversies.
“Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them,” announced transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. “President Trump and the transition are focused on doing the work of uniting our nation by ensuring a safe and prosperous future,” Leavitt explained. “With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us.”
While traveling from Washington, D.C., to her congressional district in upstate New York, Stefanik’s office reported that she and her husband were “informed of a bomb threat to their residence.” They added, “New York State, County law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism.”
In a statement, Zeldin revealed, “A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message… My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops.”
A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message. My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops. We are thankful for the swift…
— Lee Zeldin (@LeeMZeldin) November 27, 2024
The threats mark an escalation in tensions as the country prepares for Trump’s second term in office, following his victory over Democratic nominee Kamala Harris earlier this month.
The wave of threats comes amid heightened concerns over political violence in the United States. In recent years, security experts and watchdog groups have warned of an increase in threats and attacks on public officials.
“The FBI is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners,” an FBI spokesman said according to the Telegraph. “We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement.”
