Memphis Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On June 7, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN), along with House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Representatives Pete Stauber (R-MN), John Rutherford (R-FL), and Henry Cuellar (D-TX), introduced the Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2023. Swatting is defined as a call to a police department with a false story of a crime in progress with the intent to draw a large police presence to a particular address. This legislation would impose strict penalties for swatting, including up to 20 years in prison if someone is seriously hurt because of a swatting attack.

This legislation has been endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) and the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA).

"As a former U.S. Attorney, I know how hard our brave law enforcement officers work to protect communities in West Tennessee and across our nation. Swatting only prevents them from doing their jobs properly, puts them in further danger, and ultimately takes away from their ability to keep our families safe," said Congressman Kustoff. "The Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2023 will impose strict penalties for swatting, especially if someone is seriously hurt. I would like to thank my colleagues for joining me in introducing this important legislation that brings us one step closer to reaching our goal of reducing crime and keeping our neighborhoods safe."

“The rise in hoax swatting calls occurring across Upstate New York and the North Country is deeply concerning and cannot be tolerated. The individuals who carry out these shameful and cowardly acts are putting innocent lives, including those of our brave first responders, in danger and they must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said Chairwoman Stefanik. “I am grateful to our local and state law enforcement officers who continue to investigate these swatting incidents and I am proud to lead this legislation to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”

“As a former law enforcement officer, I know that swatting can result in the injury or death of victims and law enforcement officers responding to the call. Swatting also diverts law enforcement's attention and resources from other serious situations that require their immediate attention. Many police departments across the nation are already understaffed and struggling to protect our communities against the recent uptick in violent crime, so they cannot afford to be distracted by fake calls. That's why I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation that will help put an end to these crimes by increasing the penalties for swatters," said Congressman Pete Stauber.

“The dangerous rise of swatting puts our communities and officers at unnecessary risk. Those responsible for diverting law enforcement officers away from legitimate calls for help put innocent civilians in harm’s way and must be held responsible,” said Congressman Rutherford. “As a former law enforcement officer and sheriff, I am proud to again join Representative Kustoff in introducing the Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act to stop this harmful trend, protect innocent civilians, and punish those responsible.”

"Men and women in blue risk their lives daily for the health and safety of the communities they serve. Unfortunately, however, swatting has eroded the efficiency of our limited public safety resources while consistently putting civilians in dangerous situations," said Congressman Cuellar. "That's why I am leading this legislation that protects our officers and communities. We must set tough penalties in order to protect law enforcement officers from false or misleading information that could be reasonably expected to cause an emergency response. We must also protect and save the lives of community members who could fall victim to these crimes. As a member of Congress, I will continue to support legislation that protects and supports our law enforcement and local community members from bad actors looking to cause serious harm." 

Click here to read the full text of the bill. 

Original source can be found here.