The Rome Police Department has determined that an emailed threat claiming that a bomb had been placed at the home of U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was a hoax that originated from a Russian IP address.
“We are pleased to report that Congresswoman Greene is safe,” her office said in a news release Monday. “She extends her heartfelt gratitude to the Rome Police Department for their swift and professional response in ensuring her safety.”
The release said the email was sent to the assistant chief of police, who immediately dispatched the bomb squad to search Greene’s property. Greene, a Republican, lives in the city.
The officers determined there was no active threat. But because the email appeared to come from an international source, Rome police notified federal law enforcement, including the FBI.
Credit: Handout/Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene
Credit: Handout/Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene
Greene later reported on social media that a woman had died after an auto accident that also involved the vehicle of an officer rushing to check out Greene’s home.
“These violent political threats have fatal consequences,” she wrote on X. “It’s an undue strain on our law enforcement who must treat them seriously. The officer was responding to protect my life. And now, a woman has lost her life because of this despicable act.”
Greene is a highly visible and controversial lawmaker whose far-right views have made her a darling of conservative media. She has been accused of threatening others and been the target of other threats.
In November 2023, a man called her office and told staff members that he would kill her. Sean Patrick Cirillo, who currently lives in the Macon area, recently pleaded guilty to making threats and was ordered to participate in mental health and behavioral treatment programs as a condition of his supervised release.
In December 2023, Greene was among the elected officials in Georgia and beyond who were targeted by individuals calling 911 with fake emergency calls. Called “swatting,” these hoax calls are intended to bring armed police to the targeted person’s door, potentially endangering them and wasting emergency resources.
Two foreign nationals in August were charged with making the false emergency reports, as well as hoax bomb threats.
About the Author
