On the evening of November 16, 2025, a quiet neighborhood in Terre Haute, Indiana, was suddenly thrust into the national spotlight after an alarming swatting incident targeted state senator Greg Goode and his family. The ordeal unfolded just hours after former President Donald Trump publicly criticized Goode and other Republican lawmakers for their reluctance to support mid-decade redistricting efforts—a controversy that has gripped Indiana’s political scene in recent weeks.
According to the Indianapolis Star, the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office received a chilling email around 5 p.m. local time. The message falsely claimed that someone had been harmed inside Senator Goode’s residence. Officers rushed to the scene, initially unable to reach anyone inside. Tension ran high as law enforcement weighed the possibility of a real emergency. Fortunately, contact was eventually made with the occupants, and the sheriff confirmed that everyone inside was “secure, safe, and unharmed.” Sheriff Derek Fell later identified the incident as a swatting attack—a dangerous prank where false reports are made to prompt an aggressive police response.
“A false or prank call of this nature will never be acceptable,” Sheriff Fell said in a statement, as reported by USA TODAY. “Not only do calls like this waste and reduce resources of deputies serving and protecting other parts of our county, they have a negative impact on the victim and their families as well.” The sheriff emphasized that both his office and federal authorities are now investigating the case, vowing to discover who was responsible for the hoax.
Senator Goode, a Republican representing Terre Haute, expressed gratitude for the swift response of law enforcement. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “While this entire incident is unfortunate and reflective of the volatile nature of our current political climate, I give thanks to God that my family and I are ok.” Goode also thanked Sheriff Fell and Terre Haute Police Chief Kevin Barrett for their professionalism, noting that deputies responded under the impression of a domestic violence emergency and “professionally fulfilled their duty.”
The incident came on the heels of fierce political infighting over redistricting in Indiana. Earlier that same day, former President Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to criticize Goode and other key Republicans by name. “Very disappointed in Indiana State Senate Republicans, led by RINO Senators Rod Bray and Greg Goode, for not wanting to redistrict their state, allowing the United States Congress to perhaps gain two more Republican seats,” Trump wrote. The post was part of a broader campaign to pressure Indiana lawmakers into redrawing the state’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Just two days before the swatting incident, on November 14, Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray announced that the state Senate would not convene in December to vote on a new congressional map. The reason? The chamber simply lacked the votes. Goode was among the holdouts, telling the IndyStar that he would not make a decision until the final floor vote. Notably, Goode was also the only lawmaker to host a town hall on the redistricting issue, seeking to gauge public opinion. At that event in Terre Haute, every attendee expressed disapproval of redistricting this year, highlighting the deep divisions on the topic.
Goode’s spokesperson, Lance Gideon, reiterated the senator’s position in a statement to the press: “He would not take a public stance unless and until he saw an officially introduced map and legislation on the floor of the State Senate. He respectfully maintains that position.” The senator’s caution stood in contrast to mounting pressure from party leaders and activists eager for a map that could deliver more Republican seats in Congress.
Trump, undeterred by the lack of progress, doubled down on his criticism after the swatting incident. In another post to Truth Social, he warned that he would “strongly” endorse against Indiana state lawmakers who did not support redistricting. “We must keep the Majority at all costs. Republicans must fight back!” he declared, raising the stakes for Goode and his colleagues.
The swatting incident quickly drew condemnation from across the political spectrum. U.S. Senator Todd Young, a fellow Indiana Republican, called the attack “shameful and cowardly” in a post on X. “This was a serious situation, and I am grateful that no one was injured and for the professionalism of law enforcement,” Young added. Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun, a Democrat, also weighed in, denouncing the act and promising accountability. “Redistricting went from an annoying distraction to a real problem,” Sakbun posted on X. “To those who seek to waste taxpayer dollars by engaging in swatting, we will find you and you will face legal consequences. Cut the bs.”
Swatting, while rare, has become an increasingly troubling tactic in the world of political intimidation. The practice involves making false reports to law enforcement in an attempt to harass or endanger the targeted individuals. According to the Indianapolis Star, such calls not only endanger victims but also divert crucial resources away from genuine emergencies. Sheriff Fell’s statement underscored the broader consequences: “Not only do calls like this waste and reduce resources of deputies serving and protecting other parts of our county, they have a negative impact on the victim and their families as well.”
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident. Meanwhile, local and federal authorities have pledged to continue their investigation with “every intention of discovering who is responsible.” The message from officials is clear: swatting will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable.
For Goode and his family, the incident was a stark reminder of the personal risks that can come with public service, especially in today’s charged political environment. Yet, the senator’s response was measured and resolute. “While this entire incident is unfortunate and reflective of the volatile nature of our current political environment, I give thanks to God that my family and I are ok,” Goode said, echoing a sentiment likely shared by many public figures facing similar threats.
As Indiana’s redistricting debate continues to simmer, the swatting incident has cast a long shadow over the state’s political discourse. Lawmakers and citizens alike are left to grapple with the implications—not just for policy, but for the safety and civility of public life. In Terre Haute, the hope is that justice will be served, and that such dangerous stunts will not become a new norm in American politics.
