Pete Buttigieg Opens Up About False Emergency Call That Brought Police and Child Services to His Home

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has shared new details about a frightening swatting incident that targeted his family, describing it as an experience he would never want anyone else to go through.

Speaking publicly about the incident for the first time during an interview with ABC News, Buttigieg explained that the false emergency report led police officers and a Child Protective Services worker to his home, where his 4-year-old twins were present.

According to Buttigieg, the situation unfolded when he answered the door and was met by law enforcement officials along with a representative from Child Protective Services. He said authorities informed him that they had received an allegation, although the specific claim was not disclosed to him at the time.

Buttigieg recalled that officials told him he could not be around his children without supervision until the children had been interviewed as part of their response to the report. The unexpected visit created a deeply stressful situation for his family, even though the allegations were ultimately tied to a false report.

The former cabinet official described the experience as emotionally difficult and said no family should have to endure such an incident. He emphasized the personal impact of having authorities arrive at his home because of a fake emergency call.

Swatting is a dangerous practice in which someone makes a false report to emergency services, prompting law enforcement or other authorities to respond to an unsuspecting person’s home. These incidents can create serious safety risks for families and first responders while also placing unnecessary strain on emergency resources.

Buttigieg’s account offers a firsthand look at the emotional consequences that can result from false emergency reports. The incident involved not only police officers but also child welfare officials, making the experience especially distressing for his family.

During the interview, Buttigieg reflected on how quickly an unfounded allegation can affect a household, saying the ordeal is something he would not wish on anyone. His comments highlight the broader concerns surrounding swatting incidents and the disruption they can cause for innocent families.

The interview marks Buttigieg’s first public discussion of the incident, providing additional details about what happened when authorities responded to the false report at his home.

Sources

• ABC News
• U.S. Department of Justice
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)