Rep. Kevin D. Miller latest GOP politician to be ‘swatted’ after fake shooting report: ‘Put several lives at risk’
An Ohio state representative was the latest conservative politician to be “swatted” when authorities showed up to his house Tuesday in response to a fake report of a shooting, authorities said.
Republican Kevin D. Miller, who represents part of the Buckeye State in the state House, said Sheriff deputies from Licking County arrived at his home shortly after 3 p.m. on a false report of a shooting.
“This ‘swatting incident’ put several lives at risk and was a huge waste of resources,” Miller said in social media posts.
“Special thanks for Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp and his team for their expeditious and professional response.”
The Post has reached out to Miller via a campaign email for comment.
Thorp, the sheriff, said in a text message to The Post that authorities quickly determined the call was a “swatting” incident. His office is working with state and federal law enforcement to track down the origin of the phone call.
Miller is one of a handful of Republicans to recently deal with “swatting,” which is when a fake report that usually involves violence is called into police, leading the victim to get a surprise visit from heavily armed police, including at times SWAT teams.
Bombastic Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene, of Georgia, was “swatted” on Christmas as she spent the day with family. The far-right Republican has been harassed numerous times during her tenure in Congress.
Rep. Brandon Williams, a New York Republican, was also “swatted” on Christmas day, which led authorities to respond to his home.
An Ohio law went into effect earlier this year that made swatting a felony, according to reports. Miller was one of the state reps to spearhead the effort.
Miller, a retired staff lieutenant with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, was appointed to the state seat in 2021 and was elected to his first full term in 2022. He announced earlier this month he is running for reelection.
