FBI Director Kash Patel revealed during an interview with Joe Rogan on Friday that his residence had been targeted in a swatting incident the day prior.
Patel appeared on the popular podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, and disclosed the incident while discussing threats and harassment faced by public officials.
He indicated that the swatting event occurred just one day before the podcast recording, though no injuries were reported.
Swatting refers to a criminal act where someone makes a false emergency call to dispatch armed law enforcement to a victim’s home.
This tactic has led to deadly outcomes in the past and has become a rising concern for federal authorities.
During the interview, Patel expressed frustration about being targeted but emphasized his commitment to justice, as Fox News reported.
“As Director of the FBI of responsibility, I’m not just gonna bring a case because somebody hurt me,” he told Rogan. “They did. And they continue to do it. S**t. My house just got swatted yesterday.”
The incident adds to a growing list of swatting events that have targeted lawmakers, media figures, and government officials across the country.
In February, Patel was sworn in as FBI Director by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi at the Indian Treaty Room on the White House campus.
Since assuming the role, Patel has frequently spoken about increased threats against conservatives and the abuse of emergency systems.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also recently vowed to “hunt down” individuals making swatting calls against conservative figures.
Noem, in a separate press conference earlier this week, said the DHS is coordinating with local law enforcement to address the growing threat.
The FBI has not released further details about the swatting call to Patel’s home, including who placed the call or what false claim was made.
Law enforcement officials say that each swatting case is investigated thoroughly due to the risk posed to both victims and officers.
In previous cases, unsuspecting residents have been met with armed SWAT teams after callers falsely reported violent crimes occurring at the location.
The FBI under Patel’s leadership has prioritized tracking down perpetrators who misuse emergency systems for political or personal vendettas.
Patel’s interview with Rogan comes at a time of heightened concern over political targeting and harassment of public officials.
The swatting attack is the latest in a string of incidents that highlight how law enforcement agencies are becoming direct targets of harassment.
In addition to Patel, conservative figures such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) have also been victims to swatting.
On Dec. 25, 2023, Greene was the target of a swatting crime as she sat at home with her family to celebrate Christmas.
“I was just swatted. This is like the 8th time. On Christmas with my family here. My local police are the GREATEST and shouldn’t have to deal with this,” Greene said at the time, according to the Associated Press.
