A tragic sequence of events unfolded in north Georgia when an apparent swatting call targeting Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s home resulted in a fatal car crash. The incident claimed the life of a woman and left a police officer injured, underscoring the dangerous consequences of these malicious hoaxes.
The ordeal began when the Rome Police Department received an emailed bomb threat aimed at Greene’s residence. The threat, though ultimately false, prompted an immediate response from the local bomb squad. However, en route to the scene, an officer was involved in a deadly traffic collision near Redmond Road.
Rep. Greene, visibly shaken, addressed the tragedy on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the act as a heinous example of political extremism with devastating repercussions.
“I’m heartsick right now,” Greene wrote. “I was just informed that an innocent woman died today in an auto accident involving a member of the Rome Police bomb squad who was responding to the threat at my home.”
The victim, identified as Tammie Pickelsimer, lost her life in the crash, while the officer suffered severe injuries. Greene extended her prayers to Pickelsimer’s family, the injured officer, and the Rome Police Department, describing the incident as a profound loss for her community.
Swatting is a dangerous practice where individuals make false emergency reports to provoke a heavy police response. Often used as a means to harass or intimidate, swatting has increasingly targeted public figures, including Greene.
Greene revealed that she has been the victim of at least nine swatting attempts since assuming office. These incidents have put not only her safety but also the safety of law enforcement and civilians at risk.
“Swatting is more than a prank—it’s political violence,” Greene said, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability.
The emailed bomb threat, which was traced to a Russian IP address, specifically targeted Greene’s home. Despite its dubious origin, local law enforcement treated the threat with utmost seriousness, deploying a bomb squad to her residence.
In a statement, Greene confirmed that her office is collaborating with local and federal authorities, including the FBI, to trace the perpetrator.
“Whoever committed this crime has blood on their hands,” Greene declared. “These violent political threats create undue strain on law enforcement and endanger innocent lives.”
The Rome Police Department reported that the officer involved in the crash was driving a personal vehicle to join the bomb squad’s response. The collision, which occurred near the Norfolk Southern Railroad Tracks, caused significant delays and resulted in severe injuries to the officer. Tragically, it also claimed the life of Ms. Pickelsimer.
The department is investigating the crash to determine its exact cause. Meanwhile, Greene highlighted the daily risks law enforcement faces while responding to emergencies, particularly in the current climate of politically motivated threats.
“The officer was responding to protect my life,” Greene said, expressing gratitude for their bravery.
Greene used the incident to call for stricter measures against those who perpetrate swatting and similar threats. She argued that these acts of political extremism strain local resources and put entire communities at risk.
“These threats should be treated as acts of domestic terrorism,” Greene said. “I’m sick to my stomach, but I’m also angry. This should never have happened, and I pray it never happens again.”
I’m heartsick right now. I was just informed that an innocent woman died today in an auto accident involving a member of the Rome Police bomb squad who was responding to the threat at my home.
My prayers are with Tammie Pickelsimer, her family, the officer who was injured, and… https://t.co/eGaUoZkMWs
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) December 10, 2024
The tragic events in Georgia highlight the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in managing politically motivated crimes. For Greene and her constituents, the incident underscores the urgent need for legislative action to combat swatting and ensure public safety.
As Greene continues to work with law enforcement to identify the perpetrator, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of political harassment. For now, the community mourns the loss of Tammie Pickelsimer, while rallying around the injured officer and their recovery.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities determined to bring those responsible to justice. Meanwhile, Greene’s resolve to address the issue has only strengthened, as she vowed to use her platform to advocate for stronger measures against political violence.
“This is about more than me—it’s about protecting our communities from those who would do us harm,” Greene concluded.
