An alleged swatting hoax at Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s north Georgia residence ultimately led to a deadly car crash involving local authorities.
Swatting hoax causes deadly car crash
On Monday, Greene sounded the alarm on social media, revealing that her home had been targeted by a bomb threat.
According to the congresswoman, the Rome Police Department’s assistant chief received the threat through an email, prompting the dispatch of a bomb squad to investigate.
“Since being elected to Congress, I have been swatted at least nine times—deliberate attempts to provoke a deadly police response through false and highly exaggerated threats,” Greene stated.
Swatting involves filing a fake emergency report targeting specific people or locations to provoke an unnecessary police intervention. The practice strains law enforcement resources, pulling attention from legitimate emergencies.
The Rome Police Department’s Assistant Chief of Police received an email containing a bomb threat directed towards me.
I’m so grateful to every member of the Rome Police Department for your swift and professional response in ensuring my safety. pic.twitter.com/JfJBSLBNIz
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) December 9, 2024
During the bomb squad’s response to Greene’s home, a tragic traffic incident occurred involving one of the officers.
Rome PD reported that, en route to Greene’s residence, a Floyd County Bomb Squad officer was involved in a road collision that resulted in a fatality.
“Prior to officers arriving on scene to the congresswoman’s residence, a Rome Police Department officer who is a member of the Floyd County Bomb Squad was involved in a traffic accident,” a spokesperson for the Rome Police Department explained to Newsweek.
“This accident, which resulted in the fatality of the other driver, is being handled by the Georgia State Patrol. The officer was not critically injured.”
Georgia State Patrol officials disclosed to Atlanta News First that the other individual involved, identified as 66-year-old Tammie Pickelsimer, passed away after being transported to the hospital.
Marjorie Taylor Greene releases statement
A remorseful Greene expressed her sorrow for the loss of life caused by the accident as well as concern for the injured officer.
“I’m heartsick right now. I was just informed that an innocent woman died today in an auto accident involving a member of the Rome Police bomb squad who was responding to the threat at my home,” she tweeted.
“These violent political threats have fatal consequences. It’s an undue strain on our law enforcement who must treat them seriously,” the Georgia lawmaker noted. “The officer was responding to protect my life. And now, a woman has lost her life because of this despicable act.”
Greene posted further condolences, stating, “My prayers are with Tammie Pickelsimer, her family, the officer who was injured, and the entire Rome Police Department.”
Outrage was not in short supply on Greene’s end. She labelled whoever orchestrated the threat as not only irresponsible but also complicit in murder.
“I’m sick to my stomach, but I’m also angry. This should have never happened and I pray it never happens again,” Greene added.
Amid her acknowledgment of this heartbreaking situation, Greene extended gratitude towards Rome’s officers, praising their commitment to protecting public safety despite the risks involved.
Swatting hoax originated in Russia
While the case remains under investigation, authorities revealed email screenshots outlining ominous details about the threats made against Greene. These correspondences allegedly originated from a source tied to a Russian IP address.
The threatening message began by stating “for Palestine” and warned of a pipe bomb allegedly placed inside Greene’s mailbox.
“It is set to go off during the weekend but it would also explode the next time anybody opens the mailbox,” read the emailed threat, according to shared screenshots.
“Even if Marjorie does not open the mailbox herself I’m satisfied with the prospect of some pig cops losing their lives or being injured.”
The message concluded with “VIVA VIVA PALESTINA.”
Both local and federal agencies, including the FBI, are leading investigations into the origins and intent of the bomb threat.
Speaking with Newsweek, an FBI Atlanta division spokesperson stated, “After the residence was cleared by Rome Police, the FBI were brought in to help assist in determining who made the bomb threat. We have no further information at this time, as it is an ongoing investigation.”
“The FBI remains vigilant and continues to work closely with our state and local partners to mitigate threats to the public, including threats to specific persons,” the spokesperson concluded.
Incidents of bomb threats and swatting calls have targeted multiple political figures recently, including Democratic legislators and additions to President-Elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet during Thanksgiving week.
