Swatting attacks continue as Benson reports two instances in 48 hours

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in Detroit May 17, 2022 | Ken Coleman

On Monday evening Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson reported her home had been the target of two instances of swatting over 48 hours, with Benson telling attackers she will not back down from her duties as Michigan’s head election official.

Last week, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-White Lake) and U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) also reported they had been targeted by acts of swatting , where someone submits a false report to emergency services to deceive them into sending armed police to another person’s address.

“I’m grateful for the professional, coordinated response from local and federal law enforcement who quickly contained the threat and worked to ensure our safety,” Benson said in a post to social media.

“Swatting is a form of political violence that is horrific, dangerous and intended to terrify its victims. But hear me clearly: I will not be intimidated,” She said.

The Detroit Police Department media relations confirmed Benson had been targeted in two swatting incidents. The department’s Cyber Crimes unit is currently investigating, while the department has protocols in place to prevent further incidents from occurring.

Benson has been the target of multiple threats in the wake of the 2020 election and had dozens of armed protestors gather on her lawn in support of former President Donald Trump’s disproven claims that the election was stolen.

“These threats never have and never will deter me from my job: ensuring Michigan citizens can have confidence in their secure, fair, accurate elections. I will continue to stand with election professionals throughout Michigan to guard every citizen’s vote no matter who they are, where they live, or who they vote for,” Benson said. “Onward.”

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