A fourth Indiana Senate Republican has experienced a swatting attempt as the legislature is embroiled in a bitter national fight over mid-decade redistricting.
Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell, who has been so far undecided on redistricting, was “involved in an attempted swatting incident” on Nov. 19, according to a spokeswoman for the Indiana Senate Republican Caucus.
“Sen. Niemeyer worked with local law enforcement to deal with the situation, and everyone involved is fine,” according to the statement. “He will not be responding to any media requests on this topic as law enforcement continues their investigation.”
Niemeyer has so far been undecided on redistricting, despite President Donald Trump’s push and threats to primary GOP lawmakers who didn’t heed his calls to redraw the state’s congressional map ahead of 2026.
“I still haven’t publicly committed either way,” Niemeyer previously told IndyStar. “I’m looking at both sides. Both sides have their points.”
Previously, Republican state Sens. Greg Goode of Terre Haute, Spencer Deery of West Lafayette and Dan Dernulc of Highland reported swatting attempts within the last week. Goode and Dernulc are undecided on redistricting and Deery has been against it.
State Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, a vocal proponent of redistricting, condemned the swatting incidents on social media Thursday afternoon.
“Let me say it louder this time: IN ADDITION TO THIS BEHAVIOR BEING DANGEROUS AND ILLEGAL, IT’S NOT HELPFUL AND MUST STOP,” Brown posted on X in response to Deery’s incident. “This is not how policy change happens. I hope the guilty party is found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
What is swatting?
Swatting is the concept of falsely reporting an emergency to police for the intent of getting a large police or SWAT team response, even though no emergency exists.
“The calling party will often report they are involved or nearby as a witness to a home invasion, active shooter, or hostage situation, attempting to muster the largest response possible,” according to the National 911 Program. “Often, the law enforcement response is substantial, with police confronting the unsuspecting victims at gunpoint, only to learn that there is no real emergency.”
The unsuspecting victim’s confusion can result in violence and injury. That was the case with a Kansas man who was shot and killed by police after being the victim of a swatting incident.
No harm so far has occurred to any of the lawmakers or their families.
This story may be updated.
Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@indystar.com or follow her on X @hayleighcolombo.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Fourth Indiana GOP senator swatted amid redistricting fight
Reporting by Hayleigh Colombo, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
