Democrats and Trump nominees receive threatening messages


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House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries revealed on Friday that Democratic lawmakers faced bomb threats, coinciding with similar threats reported against President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees earlier in the week.

Following the disclosure that Trump’s nominees and their families experienced bomb threats and “swatting” incidents, Jeffries announced that Democratic lawmakers received Thanksgiving Day threats ranging from pipe bombs to swatting attempts. The threats, according to his office, were marked with “MAGA” signatures.

“Yesterday, during Thanksgiving celebrations, several Democratic Members of Congress, their families and law enforcement officials were targeted with violent threats. These incidents ranged from detailed threats of a pipe bomb placed in mailboxes to swatting, all signed with ‘MAGA’ at the conclusion of the message,” the statement read.

According to Politico’s confirmation from Jeffries’ office, the threats targeted nearly all Connecticut House and Senate Democrats, including Sen. Chris Murphy and Representatives Jim Hines, Joe Courtney, John Larson, Jahana Hayes, and Rosa DeLauro. Jeffries confirmed no one was harmed and no devices were found.

“America is a democracy. Threats of violence against elected officials are unacceptable, unconscionable and have no place in a civilized society. All perpetrators of political violence directed at any party must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” his statement said.

Expressing gratitude to law enforcement, Jeffries noted that the Sergeant at Arms was actively working to protect Congress members from threatening situations.

“House Democrats will not be deterred or intimidated from serving the people by violent threats. We have been in close communication with the Sergeant at Arms office and it is imperative that Congress provide maximum protection for all Members and their families moving forward,” the statement said.

Congresswoman DeLauro addressed the threat she received on social media, expressing relief that law enforcement found no explosive devices at her residence.

“Today, I received a bomb threat similar to my colleagues in the Connecticut congressional delegation. The New Haven Police Department’s bomb squad has responded & determined no bomb was present at our home. I am thankful for their swift response & relieved no one was harmed,” the congresswoman wrote on X.

Earlier that week, incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had confirmed that several Trump Cabinet nominees and their families were safe following similar threats of violence.

“President Trump and the Transition are focused on doing the work of uniting our nation by ensuring a safe and prosperous future. With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us,” she wrote.

While Leavitt didn’t specify which nominees received threats, Environmental Protection Agency nominee Lee Zeldin and U.N. Ambassador nominee Elise Stefanik publicly acknowledged being targeted. Matt Gaetz, previously considered for attorney general, also reportedly faced bomb threats.

The FBI addressed the situation, stating: “is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners. We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of Congress and other public officials to remain vigilant.”

Notably, Jeffries’ statement did not reference the threats against Trump’s Cabinet nominees. Attempts to reach Jeffries and the U.S. House Sergeant at Arms for additional comment were unsuccessful.

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