Patrick Tomlinson, a science fiction author based in , has become one of the most extreme examples of a private citizen targeted by swatting, a dangerous form of online harassment where someone makes a fake emergency call to law enforcement. His experience shows how swatting can repeatedly disrupt a person’s life, put them in physical danger, and create longlasting fear and stress. Over several years, Tomlinson and his family have repeatedly been subjected to armed police responses based on false reports, illustrating the human impact of swatting beyond headlines and technical definitions.
What Is Swatting?
Swatting refers to the act of making a false report to emergency services about a serious crime such as a hostage situation, shooting, or bomb threat with the intention of provoking a massive police response to an innocent person’s home or business. These hoax calls are made maliciously, often anonymously, and can involve claims of violence that prompt tactical units to respond with armed force. Although it is treated as a crime in many jurisdictions, including under state false reporting laws, swatting remains a difficult crime to prevent and prosecute.
How Swatting Works
- A perpetrator calls or texts emergency services claiming a serious violent incident.
- The dispatch center relays the call to police, often tactical units such as SWAT teams.
- Police arrive at the targeted address believing there is an immediate threat.
- Occupants can be mistaken for suspects, endangering their safety.
Because swatting calls are meant to trigger a rapid and aggressive law enforcement response, they pose real risk to both victims and responding officers.
Why Patrick Tomlinson Was Targeted
Tomlinson’s situation reportedly began after a seemingly harmless tweet in 2018 about a comedian. According to reports, outsiders online turned that comment into a focus for harassment, launching a campaign of harassing behavior that included doxing, threats, and repeated swatting incidents. The online harassment extended across multiple platforms, contributing to an escalation in swatting attacks over time.
Over the years, Tomlinson says his home has been targeted more than 40 times by swatting calls, making him one of the most frequently swatted private citizens in recent memory.
Impact on Tomlinson and His Family
The repeated false emergency calls had severe consequences for Tomlinson and those close to him. Not only did police routinely arrive with tactical gear and weapons drawn, but the psychological impact was profound, leaving the family feeling unsafe in their own home. Such invasions can erode a person’s sense of security and disrupt daily life.
Effects of Swatting Incidents
- Intense fear and anxiety from armed police arriving unexpectedly.
- Repeated interruptions to household routines, especially at night.
- Longterm stress and worry about future incidents.
- Financial costs associated with security systems and legal actions.
Tomlinson’s elderly parents, who live outside of Milwaukee, were also reportedly swatted, further illustrating the reach of the harassment.
Documentation and Reporting Efforts
Tomlinson has documented many of the incidents publicly, including on social media, where he shared images and accounts of armed police responses. He and his wife reportedly also pursued legal action including lawsuits against internet service providers to identify perpetrators although some efforts were challenged by legal protections that shield platforms from liability for thirdparty content under statutes like Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
Despite reporting each incident to both the Milwaukee Police Department and the , Tomlinson has expressed frustration at the slow progress of investigations and limited communication from authorities.
Law Enforcement and National Response
Swatting has become enough of a public safety concern that federal agencies have taken steps to better track and address it. The FBI has formed a national database to collect information on swatting cases to help law enforcement agencies share data and coordinate responses more effectively. This initiative aims to reduce the number of repeat incidents and improve the ability of police to identify patterns and suspects nationwide.
Why Swatting Is Hard to Stop
- Perpetrators often use technologies that hide their identity or location.
- Multiple platforms and online forums can spread information quickly.
- Law enforcement agencies may lack unified tracking systems.
- Criminal statutes vary by state, complicating prosecution of interstate cases.
These challenges demonstrate why swatting remains a persistent and dangerous problem.
Public and Legal Consequences of Swatting
Swatting is illegal and can result in serious charges, including false reporting, use of communication devices to commit a hoax, and other criminal offenses. In severe cases, swatting has led to injuries and even fatalities, highlighting its potential to cause real harm beyond inconvenience. Lawmakers and law enforcement advocates have called for stronger deterrents and clearer federal statutes that specifically address swatting and similar hoaxes.
In some states, swatting cases have resulted in significant prison sentences for perpetrators. However, cases involving complex online harassment networks can be harder to prosecute due to anonymity and jurisdictional issues.
Broader Context of Swatting in Society
Tomlinson’s case is part of a larger pattern in which individuals and institutions face swatting incidents. Across the United States, swatting calls have targeted private homes, public figures, and institutions, leading to wasted law enforcement resources and potential danger to innocent people. Some highprofile cases have even prompted national discussions about how to prevent and punish swatting more effectively.
Examples of Other Swatting Cases
- Incidents on college campuses where hoax calls triggered evacuations.
- False bomb threats at public venues linked to specific individuals’ names.
- Repeat swatting affecting families and elderly residents.
These examples underscore that swatting is not limited to any one demographic and can impact people from all walks of life.
Patrick Tomlinson’s experience with swatting illustrates the severe impact that online harassment and false emergency calls can have on an individual and his family. Repeated swatting not only endangers personal safety but also undermines the sense of security that people expect in their homes. Efforts by law enforcement, including national databases and tracking systems, represent steps toward addressing the problem. However, challenges in identifying and prosecuting perpetrators demonstrate that more work is needed to protect victims and deter malicious actors. Tomlinson’s case continues to highlight the human cost of swatting and the importance of connecting legal frameworks, law enforcement resources, and public awareness to reduce these dangerous pranks and safeguard innocent lives.