Emergency Crews Dispatched to White House Following Fake 911 Call
Emergency crews were sent to the White House on Monday in response to a false 911 call. The incident, known as swatting, involved a caller falsely reporting an individual trapped inside the White House and a fire on the premises. Although President Joe Biden was not present at the time, emergency personnel swiftly responded to the scene.
According to CNN, the call was determined to be a hoax as it was traced back to a fake number. The call was received at 7:03 a.m. ET, prompting multiple units from DC Fire and EMS to be dispatched to the White House. Fortunately, the situation was quickly deemed safe, and emergency crews cleared the area within ten minutes.
The act of swatting involves making a fake emergency report with the intention of drawing law enforcement to the residence of a high-profile individual. This incident follows a similar hoax targeted at controversial Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and another at the home of federal judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the election subversion case against former President Donald Trump.
Speaking out against the distress caused by swatting incidences, Greene expressed her frustration in a post on X. She shared, 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.
Swatting hoaxes pose a significant risk to public safety, as they divert emergency resources away from real emergencies. It is crucial for authorities to thoroughly investigate such incidents and ensure the safety of the targeted individuals and the general public.
The White House has yet to provide additional details about the incident. As investigations continue, it is important for law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant in combating the growing issue of swatting. These incidents not only disrupt the lives of high-profile figures but also strain emergency response capabilities.
In light of recent swatting hoaxes and their potentially dangerous consequences, it is essential for the public to be aware of the severity of these actions. Awareness can play a vital role in identifying and preventing future occurrences.
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