False ‘Swatting’ Call Targets US Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s Home

WASHINGTON: Police in the United States have confirmed that a reported shooting incident at the home of US Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett was a false alarm linked to an apparent “swatting” attempt.

Authorities in Fairfax County, Virginia, said officers responded to a call on Wednesday night claiming gunshots and screaming had been heard coming from the residence of the justice, who was appointed to the Supreme Court by former US president Donald Trump.

According to police dispatch recordings, the caller identified themselves as a neighbour and reported hearing an argument followed by gunfire inside the property. However, officers quickly suspected the incident may have been a swatting attack — a false emergency report intended to provoke a heavy armed police response.

Police noted that the residence belonged to a “high priority resident” with round-the-clock security protection. Officers who arrived at the scene spoke with security personnel, who confirmed they had not heard or observed anything suspicious.

A spokesperson for Fairfax County Police said officers responded to the incident at approximately 9:02 pm and later determined the report to be false.

Investigators also discovered inconsistencies with the call, including the use of a non-emergency phone line that could not be traced and a callback number different from the one used to place the report.

Swatting incidents have become increasingly common across the United States in recent years, frequently targeting politicians, public officials, schools and hospitals. Such incidents often involve callers using disposable phone numbers and voice-altering software to conceal their identities.

Authorities have repeatedly warned that swatting poses serious risks both to innocent individuals caught in the false reports and to emergency services diverted away from genuine crises.

In December 2024, US Capitol Police chief J Thomas Manger revealed that more than 50 swatting incidents targeting members of Congress had occurred within a single month.

Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley was also targeted in a similar incident in 2023 when police responded with weapons drawn to her South Carolina home following a false emergency report.

Justice Barrett, known for her conservative views on issues such as abortion and gun rights, has frequently faced protests and criticism since joining the Supreme Court.