Indiana Senator Targeted in Swatting Incident After Trump’s Critique
In a rather dramatic turn of events, an Indiana Republican senator found himself at the center of a swatting incident, mere hours after President Donald Trump publicly chastised him on Truth Social. The senator, Greg Goode, was labeled a “RINO” (Republican In Name Only) by Trump, who expressed his disappointment over Goode’s resistance to the White House’s proposed congressional redistricting plan.
According to local authorities, Sheriff Derek Fell of Vigo County confirmed that around 5 p.m. on Sunday, the Terre Haute Police Department received an alarming email suggesting that harm had come to individuals inside a residence in southeastern Vigo County. This information prompted an immediate response from the sheriff’s office, which led deputies to Goode’s home. Initial attempts to make contact with anyone inside were unsuccessful, but eventually, authorities were able to confirm that all occupants were safe and unharmed. The incident was later deemed a false alarm, commonly referred to as ‘swatting.’
Despite Trump’s insinuations, Goode has not made any public statements regarding his stance on redistricting, leaving many to speculate about his true position. In a statement following the incident, Goode characterized himself and his family as victims, thanking Sheriff Fell and Terre Haute Police Chief Kevin Barrett for their professionalism in handling the situation.
This incident unfolds against a backdrop of stagnation in Indiana’s redistricting efforts, which hit a roadblock last Friday when Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray opted not to reconvene the chamber to redraw congressional maps favorably for Republicans. Earlier that Sunday, Trump threatened to unveil a list of Senate Republicans who opposed gerrymandering, a list that, as of this writing, has yet to materialize.
The White House has not issued any comments on the matter. Earlier this month, Goode hosted a town hall in Terre Haute, where a significant majority—71 individuals—expressed opposition to redistricting, with no voices raised in favor of it.
Looking ahead, Indiana lawmakers are expected to gather at the Indiana Statehouse for an organizational day, a largely ceremonial event marking the beginning of the next legislative session. Pro-redistricting advocates are already mobilizing for a rally at the Statehouse, signaling that this contentious issue is far from settled.
