U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida and other politicians have recently reported being the targets of swatting, a term that refers to false reports meant to instigate a law enforcement response.

"Last night, while at dinner with my wife, cowards 'swatted' my home in Naples. These criminals wasted the time & resources of our law enforcement in a sick attempt to terrorize my family. Ann & I want to thank @NaplesPolice & @CollierSheriff for all they do to keep us safe," Scott explained in a post on X.

In a Facebook post that does not mention Scott, the Naples Police Department noted that on Wednesday night, "dispatchers received a call on our non-emergency line from an individual stating that a shooting occurred in the 3100 block of Gordon Drive. Within 15 minutes, we were able to confirm that the events did not occur, and the incident was a swatting event."

"Swatting is defined as a false report of an ongoing emergency or active threat of violence intended to prompt an immediate tactical law enforcement response. The response often prompts confusion on the part of the homeowners and pulls limited resources away from other possible valid emergencies," the department explained.

But the swatting phenomenon has recently impacted other politicians as well, including GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who has said that she was targeted on Christmas day. "I was just swatted. This is like the 8th time," she noted.

"We determined before our personnel could get to her location that there was no emergency and there was no reason to respond," Rome Police Department spokesperson Kelly Madden noted, according to the Associated Press. "Her security detail had it all under control, and there actually was nothing going on."

Greene announced on Thursday that her daughters had been targeted: "Both my daughter's houses just got swatted today. Big thanks to the police who responded! We appreciate you and support you! Whoever is doing this, you are going to get caught and it won't be funny to you anymore."

Republican Rep. Brandon Williams of New York also said that he was swatted on Christmas day. "Our home was swatted this afternoon," a December 25 tweet notes. "Thanks to the Deputies and Troopers who contacted me before arriving. They left with homemade cookies and spiced nuts! Merry Christmas everyone!"

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Boston Mayor Michelle Wu was also reportedly targeted with swatting on Christmas. "For better or worse, my family are a bit used to it by now, and we have a good system with the department," she told WBUR.

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