Overview
- Police responded to a report of gunshots at Barrett’s Virginia residence after a late-May 911 call, but dispatchers quickly flagged the call as a possible swatting attempt.
- Released partial dispatch audio, posted by a Washington journalist, records officers noting they could not reach the caller, identifying the address as a high-priority residence, and treating the situation as likely false.
- Responding officers met Barrett’s on-site security detail, cleared the scene with no confirmed shots or on-site threat, and no arrest has been reported so far.
- Sen. Mike Lee and other public figures condemned the incident and urged severe punishment for anyone who makes false emergency calls to target officials.
- Reporters redacted parts of the audio when publishing to avoid encouraging copycats, and the episode renews concern about doxxing and targeted harassment of justices that has led to added protections and potential criminal probes.