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Romanian Man Pleads Guilty to ‘Swatting’ US Officials, Including a Former US President

Thomas Szabo, aged 26, led an internet-based group dedicated to ’swatting' public officers in multiple states, including several high-ranking federal officials.
Romanian Man Pleads Guilty to ‘Swatting’ US Officials, Including a Former US President
Los Angeles County Sheriff's SWAT team members standing on a armored car arrive to help Los Angeles Police Department officers during a massive manhunt for a suspect who attempted to kill two detectives in Los Angeles on June 25, 2013. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Arjun Singh
Arjun Singh
6/2/2025|Updated: 6/2/2025
0:00

WASHINGTON—A man from Romania has pleaded guilty to felonies after he made false reports to elicit tactical police responses—known as “swatting”—against a former U.S. president, several members of Congress, federal judges, and state officials.

“Swatting” derives its name from “Special Weapons and Tactics” (SWAT) teams that are organized by police departments across the world, who respond to particularly dangerous emergencies, such as terrorist attacks, mass shootings, and other weapons of mass destruction.

Arjun Singh
Arjun Singh
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Arjun Singh is a reporter for The Epoch Times, covering national politics and the U.S. Congress.
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