PDB Afternoon Bulletin | November 29th, 2024: Bomb Threats Target Trump Nominees & Kellogg’s Ukraine Appointment
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What bomb threats have targeted Trump's nominees?
Now maybe, and it could just be me, but if one party fires up their base by saying the other party is going to end democracy and are fascists in the reincarnation of Hitler, then you probably shouldn't be surprised if some impressionable psychotics or gormless halfwits decide to act on your exhortations. Just a thought. Later in the show, Donald Trump has announced retired U.S. Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg as a special peace envoy to Ukraine. We'll examine General Kellogg's background and what this appointment signals for possible U.S. policy towards Ukraine. But first, our afternoon spotlight. Several of President-elect Trump's most prominent cabinet picks and appointees have been the focus of bomb threats and so-called swatting attacks in recent days, and that's according to Trump's transition team. In total, nearly a dozen nominees and appointees have faced these alarming incidents. Now, among them is Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, nominated as the US ambassador to the United Nations.
Who is Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg?
Stefanik was en route to her residence in New York when she was informed of a bomb threat against her home. Law enforcement, including New York State Police and K-9 units trained in explosives detection, swiftly responded and conducted thorough sweeps of the property, ultimately finding no explosive devices. Similarly, Lee Zeldin, the nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, the EPA, received a pipe bomb threat accompanied by a pro-Palestinian message. Other nominees, such as John Ratcliffe, tapped to head the CIA, and Pete Hegseth, nominated for Secretary of Defense, have also been subjected to similar threats. In addition to the bomb threats, the incidents also included instances of what's known as swatting. Now, if you're not familiar with that, it's where false reports are made to emergency services to provoke a heavy armed response to a target's location. Such actions not only endanger the lives of those targeted, of course, but also divert critical law enforcement resources.
The FBI has acknowledged that they are aware of the threats, well, that's nice, and is actively collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to investigate the incidents. In a statement, the FBI said that it takes all potential threats seriously and encourages the public to report any suspicious activities.
What are swatting incidents and why are they concerning?
President-elect Trump's transition team has condemned these threats as, quote, violent and un-American. Spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt expressed gratitude for the swift action of law enforcement in ensuring the safety of those targeted. She reiterated the team's commitment to uniting the nation and ensuring a safe and prosperous future. These alarming incidents underscore the heightened tensions and potential dangers faced by public officials in today's polarized political climate. They also highlight the importance of robust security measures and the need for continued vigilance against these forms of political violence. Now, as investigations continue, authorities urge the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. The safety of public officials and the integrity of democratic institutions, of course, depend on the collective efforts of both law enforcement and the community to address and prevent such threats.
Well, frankly, the best way to address and prevent such threats is probably to identify the perpetrators, arrest them, identify them publicly, and put them through the court system. It's a law and order issue. people need to see that there are serious consequences for this sort of political terrorism, no matter where it comes from.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What bomb threats have targeted Trump's nominees?
0:55–1:55
2
Who is Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg?
1:55–3:12
3
What does the FBI say about the bomb threats?
3:12
4
What are swatting incidents and why are they concerning?
2:54–4:25
5
What does Trump’s Ukraine appointment mean for U.S. policy?
4:25
6
How can threats against public officials be addressed?
4:06–10:35
Speakers
1 identifiedMore from The President's Daily Brief
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