Indiana is grappling with a surge of threats and dangerous hoaxes targeting its lawmakers, as a heated battle over redistricting unfolds in the statehouse. In a series of recent incidents, at least four Republican legislators who have either opposed or remained undecided on the proposed redistricting plan have reported being victims of swatting attempts—phony emergency calls designed to provoke a heavy police response at their homes. The alarming trend, which has also included bomb threats and other forms of intimidation, has left officials shaken and prompted urgent calls for accountability and civility in political discourse.
Governor Mike Braun, himself the target of threats along with his family, did not mince words when addressing the rash of incidents. “This nonsense has to stop. It is dangerous, it’s violent, and it’s disgusting. It has to stop. I have no idea who’s doing it. I want to find out who’s doing it,” Braun said, as quoted by WIBC. He later reiterated to reporters, “That’s way beyond the pale. Unacceptable. … All I’m saying as governor, leader of the state: stop it.”
Swatting, as explained by broadcaster Tony Katz on his morning show, is a particularly insidious form of harassment. “Swatting is a dangerous practice where someone falsely reports an emergency to prompt a heavy police response at an innocent person’s location. It puts the people in the home in danger, the target in danger, puts police in danger,” Katz said. Despite the severity of these incidents, Katz noted with frustration that “so far have not heard of any arrests being made in any of these swatting incidents that have happened in Indiana.”
The timing of these threats is no coincidence, according to multiple reports. They have coincided with a contentious debate over redrawing congressional boundaries in Indiana. The current map, drawn by Republican supermajorities in 2021, gives the GOP a 7-2 advantage, with two blue districts covering northwest Indiana and Indianapolis. However, former President Donald Trump and his supporters have been urging state leaders to create a new map that would give Republicans control of all nine districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Trump has publicly pressured Governor Braun to “produce” on redistricting, and some lawmakers believe this rhetoric may be fueling the wave of intimidation.
Senator Spencer Deery, a vocal opponent of early redistricting, experienced firsthand the dangers of swatting. On the morning of November 21, 2025, Deery was notified that police dispatch had received a false report of domestic abuse at his West Lafayette residence, including a threat of violence to responding officers. “It is disturbing that anyone would attempt to harm or intimidate lawmakers, but sadly not all that surprising in the current environment,” Deery told the Indiana Capital Chronicle. He praised the professionalism of the West Lafayette Police Department, saying, “I am grateful... for their professionalism and preparedness to recognize this as a swatting attempt.” Fortunately, the situation was resolved without harm to Deery, his children, or others in the neighborhood.
Deery was not alone. Senators Rick Niemeyer of Lowell and Dan Dernulc of Highland were both targeted by foiled swatting attempts on November 20, 2025. Niemeyer, who was named in a social media post as anti-redistricting but has not committed to a position, worked with law enforcement and declined media requests while investigations continue. “Sen. Niemeyer worked with local law enforcement to deal with the situation, and everyone involved is fine,” his spokeswoman Emma Balzer stated. Dernulc, similarly undecided on the redistricting plan, said, “I haven’t even seen a map,” adding, “Until I see something, I don’t want it being like (Democratic former U.S. House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi, where they say you have to vote for something and then find out.” Reflecting on the incident, Dernulc called the swatting attempt “scary and shocking,” expressing sadness that his public service had led to such retaliation. “Threats to public officials cannot and should not be the norm. I hope to see justice for this illegal behavior,” he said.
The first reported swatting attempt occurred just days earlier, when Senator Greg Goode of Terre Haute was targeted hours after Trump labeled him a “RINO” (Republican in name only) on social media. The pattern has not gone unnoticed, with many observers linking the rise in threats to the escalating rhetoric surrounding the redistricting battle. As Tony Katz pointed out, “This allegedly having to do with redistricting and President Trump saying, look at these senators who will not vote for redistricting.” However, he also cautioned against making assumptions without solid evidence, emphasizing that the perpetrators have not been identified.
In addition to swatting, other forms of intimidation have surfaced. Senator Deery described receiving an unpaid pizza delivery at his home—a prank he interpreted as an attempt to send the message “we know where you live.” “This may seem like a harmless prank, and it certainly isn’t as serious as a swatting, but it still is an attempt to intimidate an elected official,” Deery said. Senator Kyle Walker of Lawrence, another opponent of the redistricting plan, also reported a bomb threat at his home, according to statements from his office. Meanwhile, Senator Andy Zay of Huntington, who supports redistricting, faced a bomb threat at his vehicle leasing business.
Law enforcement agencies are taking the threats seriously. The Indiana State Police announced they are working with local and federal authorities to investigate “multiple instances” of swatting targeting lawmakers and will seek criminal prosecution “to the fullest extent allowed by law.” Despite these efforts, as of November 24, 2025, no arrests have been reported in connection with the incidents.
The political stakes underlying the threats are high. Trump’s push for a 9-0 Republican congressional map reflects a broader national effort to maintain GOP control of the U.S. House. In Indiana, the debate has exposed rifts within the Republican Party, pitting supporters of the current map against those demanding a more aggressive partisan redraw. Governor Braun, facing pressure from both Trump and his own caucus, has vowed to “compel” senators to obey his call for a special session on redistricting after some voted to adjourn and ignore it.
Amid the turmoil, lawmakers have vowed not to be cowed by intimidation. “We will continue to do our duty and to do what is in the best interest of our district, no matter the threats,” Deery assured his constituents. Still, the climate of fear and uncertainty has cast a shadow over the state’s political process, raising urgent questions about the boundaries of political activism and the safety of public officials.
As Indiana’s redistricting fight rages on, the state finds itself at a crossroads, struggling to balance passionate debate with respect for the rule of law and the basic safety of its leaders. The coming weeks will test not only the resolve of its lawmakers but also the strength of its democratic institutions.
