The Epoch Times
The Epoch Times
AD
The Epoch Times
Support Us
Courts

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
Author
Arjun Singh is a reporter for The Epoch Times, covering national politics and the U.S. Congress.
twitter
Author’s Selected Articles

Stanford’s Student Newspaper Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration

Aug 06, 2025
Stanford’s Student Newspaper Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration

Confederate Statue Toppled During George Floyd Riots to Return to Washington

Aug 05, 2025
Confederate Statue Toppled During George Floyd Riots to Return to Washington

Army Veteran Launches Campaign to Unseat New York Rep. Nick LaLota

Aug 05, 2025
Army Veteran Launches Campaign to Unseat New York Rep. Nick LaLota

US Restricts Certain Visas for Transgender Athletes

Aug 04, 2025
US Restricts Certain Visas for Transgender Athletes
Add to My List
Save
The Epoch Times
To ensure we reach the high standards of reliability and neutrality that you expect from us, we are engaging with Ad Fontes Media to analyze our content. If you find an article you think falls short of the standard, please submit the link through this form.
Copyright © 2000 - 2025 The Epoch Times Association Inc. All Rights Reserved.