Congressman Kustoff Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Prevent Swatting

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) introduced the Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025 with Co-Chairs of the Law Enforcement Caucus Reps. John Rutherford (R-FL) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), as well as Reps. Laurel Lee (R-FL), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Mike Ezell (R-MS), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), and Seth Magaziner (D-RI). The companion bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Mike Rounds (R-SD).

The Department of Homeland Security defines swatting as "making malicious hoax calls to emergency services to falsely report an ongoing emergency such as a violent crime or explosive device at a certain location." The intent is to prompt a large-scale response from law enforcement. The Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act would impose strict penalties for swatting, including up to 20 years in prison if someone is seriously hurt because of a swatting attack.

"As a former United States Attorney, I understand the chaos swatting creates, the critical resources it wastes, and the danger it presents to our communities," said Congressman Kustoff. "Given the recent rise in swatting incidents across the country, I am glad to lead my colleagues in introducing the Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill will impose strict penalties for swatting, especially if someone is seriously injured. We can no longer afford to let this dangerous trend go unchecked. This legislation is a critical step towards holding perpetrators accountable, supporting law enforcement, and deterring future incidents."

Senator Scott said, "The cowards behind 'swatting' calls intentionally waste the time and resources of law enforcement and put people in danger in an attempt to inflict fear in communities and terrorize their targets. It's absolutely despicable and those responsible must face real consequences for their actions. Swatters have attempted attacks on my family's home, the homes of public officials, Trump administration nominees, and so many others - it has to stop. That's why I introduced the Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act to crack down on these attempts. I'm proud to lead this important bill in the Senate again and look forward to its passage."

"The dangerous rise of swatting puts our communities and officers at unnecessary risk. Those responsible for diverting law enforcement officers away from legitimate distress calls and putting innocent civilians in harm's way must be held responsible," said Congressman Rutherford. "As a former sheriff, lifetime member of law enforcement, and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus, 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."

"Swatting diverts resources and prevents our brave first responders from doing their jobs, putting them and other innocent lives in danger. That's why I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation to support our law enforcement officers, protect innocent civilians, and ensure the individuals that commit these heinous acts are held accountable," said Congressman Gottheimer. "As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus, I will always get the backs of our first responders and work to keep our communities and families safe."

"The recent nationwide increase in swatting incidences is alarming and has real-world consequences-putting people's lives at risk, spreading fear in our communities, and diverting law enforcement resources away from responding to real emergencies," said Congresswoman Lee. "This legislation sends a clear message: those who callously weaponize emergency services to harm or terrorize others will face serious consequences. It's time to protect our communities and hold these criminals accountable."

"The recent rise in swatting calls is dangerous for our communities, threatening to affected families, and a distraction for law enforcement who work day in and day out to keep us safe," said Congressman Moskowitz. "I'm partnering with Congressman Kustoff to lead this bipartisan bill and take on deceptive swatting because our law enforcement should be able to focus on real needs of the community - not false calls from bad actors. I'm grateful to our law enforcement professionals for the oath they take to protect our communities each and every day, and this new bill will put much-needed safeguards in place that'll help them in that mission."

"Having spent over 40 years in law enforcement, I've seen firsthand how swatting is a reckless and dangerous action that not only puts innocent lives at risk but wastes critical resources," Congressman Ezell said. "Local and state law enforcement agencies are forced to divert their time, energy, and taxpayer dollars to respond to these false calls, taking them away from real emergencies. As someone who has been on the front lines, I understand the toll this takes on our officers and communities. That's why I am proud to help introduce the Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act - a vital step in protecting both our law enforcement officers and the communities they serve."

"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."

"Law enforcement officers in Rhode Island and across the country work around the clock to keep us safe, but swatting incidents put their safety - and the safety of innocent civilians - at risk," said Congressman Magaziner. "Swatting diverts law enforcement away from legitimate calls and emergencies. That is why I am co-leading this bipartisan legislation to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure innocent lives are not put in harm's way."

"Swatting is a serious problem that must be addressed. My home was swatted twice around Christmas last year in a dangerous attempt to intimidate my family and me. Our brave men and women in blue shouldn't have to use valuable time and resources answering hoax calls when they could be protecting communities and getting criminals off the street. I'm proud to join Senator Scott in standing up to these criminal hoaxers, making our communities safer, and keeping our law enforcement officers out of harmful situations." said Sen. Tuberville.

The Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act was endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the National Sheriffs' Association.

Click here for the full text of the bill.

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