INDIANAPOLIS — At least four Indiana state senators have been targeted in swatting attacks this week, prompting an investigation by the Indiana State Police into what appears to be a coordinated effort to intimidate lawmakers.
State senators Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette), Dan Dernulc (R-Highland), Greg Goode and Rick Niemeyer have all been victims of the dangerous pranks at their homes.
The attacks come amid intense political pressure over congressional redistricting, with President Donald Trump publicly criticizing several Indiana Republican senators for opposing his push to redraw the state's congressional maps before the 2026 midterm elections.
The most recent incident occurred Thursday morning when Deery said local law enforcement successfully thwarted a swatting attempt at his West Lafayette home.
"At about 8 a.m. I was notified that dispatch had received a report of domestic abuse at my address and that there would be a threat of violence to any officers who responded," Deery said in a statement.
Dernulc was targeted in a separate incident Wednesday. "Today, my family and I were victims of a swatting attempt, but local law enforcement officials were quick to analyze it, recognize the report was false and inform me of the attempt," Dernulc said in his statement.
Sen. Rick Niemeyer was also involved in an attempted swatting incident on Wednesday. A spokesperson said he will not be responding to any media requests as law enforcement continues their investigation.
The attacks began Sunday evening when Goode was targeted in a swatting incident, which occurred hours after he was publicly criticized by Trump over redistricting opposition.
Indiana State Police investigation
The Indiana State Police confirmed they are investigating multiple swatting incidents targeting members of the Indiana General Assembly.
In a statement, ISP described swatting as an incident where someone "with ill intention notifies law enforcement via phone call, email or other form of communication of a false emergency at a targeted location" with the goal of generating "as large a scale law enforcement response as possible."
ISP warned that swatting is not only potentially dangerous but also illegal, and they are working with local, county and federal law enforcement partners to identify those responsible. "Our goal is to seek criminal prosecution against those involved, to the fullest extent allowed by law," the statement read.
WATCH | ISP Captain Ron Galaviz dives into the investigation with WRTV's Nicole Griffin
Governor condemns swatting attacks, escalates criticism of Senate leadership
Gov. Mike Braun condemned the swatting attacks Thursday, calling them "absolutely terrible" and "unacceptable."
"We can stand for none of that. This is about a political discussion that can't have any of that. Now that it has occurred for the third time that's way beyond the pale, unacceptable," Braun said. "All I am saying as Governor and leader of the state, stop it."
The governor said the incidents come down to personal responsibility. "I think there is rhetoric on a lot of issues. I think it boils down to personal responsibility to not do something stupid. It makes it worse rather than better. There is no room for it. Hopefully it will end."
However, the governor also escalated his criticism of Senate leadership over redistricting, suggesting he's reaching a point where Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray should be replaced.
"I am getting to that point. I think it's clear the house wants to go forward. I think it is the first time I can recall from my days at the statehouse on something major we've had to have democrats get it across the finish line," Braun said. "I think it's totally out of sync with most of the conservatives and republicans in this state."
Braun said Bray has made "conscious decisions to make it difficult at odds with almost everyone in the party" and suggested other senators are considering challenging his leadership. "I think Rod needs to do the simple thing get in line. At least bring it to a public discussion in his own chamber."
Redistricting debate
The redistricting battle began when Trump and Vice President JD Vance pushed Indiana Republicans to redraw congressional maps that could give the GOP two additional House seats.
Currently, Republicans hold seven of Indiana's nine congressional districts. However, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray announced last week that there weren't enough votes in the Republican caucus to move forward with redistricting.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Bray and other Indiana Republicans on social media, calling Bray a "Complete and Total RINO" and threatening to support primary challengers against senators who oppose redistricting.
The targeted senators expressed determination to continue their public service despite the threats.
"It is disturbing that anyone would attempt to harm or intimidate lawmakers, but sadly not all that surprising in the current environment," Deery said. "We will continue to do our duty and to do what is in the best interest of our district, no matter the threats."
Dernulc echoed similar sentiments: "It is scary and shocking to me that someone would go so far to try to cause harm or fear to me or my family. I have always done my best to serve my community, be their voice, and work alongside them and my colleagues at the Stakehouse to help make Indiana a great state."
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the Indiana State Police at iifc@iifc.in.gov.
