Swatting Shock: Indiana Lawmaker Hit After Clashing with Trump on Maps

Portrait of Indiana State Senator Greg Goode
An Indiana state senator faced a scary swatting attack. This happened right after he opposed President Donald Trump’s plan to redraw voting maps. The lawmaker is Greg Goode. He is a Republican. The event shows how tense politics can get today.

What is Swatting?

Swatting is a dangerous prank. Someone calls the police with a fake story. They say there is a big emergency, like a shooting or bomb. This makes SWAT teams rush to the scene. It puts lives at risk. Police might think it’s real and act fast. Innocent people can get hurt. Swatting often targets public figures. It happens in gaming too. But now, it’s used in politics. The goal is to scare or harass. It’s against the law. Police investigate these cases hard.

The Incident Unfolds

On Sunday, November 16, 2025, around 5 p.m., trouble started for Goode. An email went to the Terre Haute Police Department. It claimed harm was happening at his home. The home is in southeastern Vigo County. Vigo County Sheriff’s deputies rushed over. They could not reach anyone at first. But soon, they made contact. Everyone was safe. No one was hurt. It was a hoax. Sheriff Derek Fell called it swatting. Goode lives in Terre Haute. He thanked the police. He said they acted well. His family was okay. But the event shook them up.
Police cars responding to a swatting call
Police cars responding to a swatting call

Background on the Redistricting Fight

Redistricting means redrawing voting maps. It happens every ten years after the census. But Trump wanted it now. This is mid-decade. The goal was to help Republicans win more seats in Congress. Indiana has nine congressional seats. Republicans hold seven. Democrats hold two. Trump pushed for maps that favor Republicans more. He wanted all nine to lean GOP. Governor Mike Braun supported this. He called for a special session. It was set for December 1. But Senate leaders said no. On Friday, November 14, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray spoke out. He said there were not enough votes. The Senate would not meet in December. They chose to focus on state issues. Like budgets, safety, and health. A poll showed most people opposed it. Fifty-one percent said no. Only thirty-nine percent said yes. People wanted leaders to fix real problems. Not play politics with maps. Eight Republican senators opposed it. Thirteen supported it. But that was not enough. Bray said they thought hard about it. They valued independent thinking. Democrats cheered the decision. Senate Minority Leader Shelli Yoder said it was good. She called the push reckless. It was about fear of voters. Now, focus can go back to Hoosiers. Other groups agreed. Like Indiana Conservation Voters. They thanked leaders for listening to people.
Image of the Indiana Statehouse
Image of the Indiana Statehouse

Trump’s Strong Words

Trump was not happy. On Sunday, he posted on Truth Social. He called Goode a RINO. That means Republican In Name Only. He said he was very disappointed. Trump also hit Bray. He said because of them, Republicans might lose the House majority. That is a big deal, he wrote. Trump threatened more. He said he might list all resistant senators. But by evening, no list came out. Goode had not said his stance publicly. But he held a town hall. It was earlier in November. Seventy-one people spoke against redistricting. No one spoke for it. Vice President JD Vance visited Indiana. He tried to push the plan. But it did not work.

Goode’s Response to the Attack

Goode spoke out after the swatting. He posted on social media. He thanked God his family was okay. He called the incident unfortunate. It shows how volatile politics is now. He praised the deputies. They were professional. He also thanked Police Chief Kevin Barrett. Goode said he and his family were victims. But they are fine now.

Why This Matters

This swatting is serious. It links to political fights. Trump’s words came first. Then the attack. Is there a connection? Police are looking into it. Swatting can kill. In the past, people died from it. Police come ready for danger. Mistakes happen. In politics, this raises alarms. It shows how words can lead to actions. Leaders must be careful. Social media spreads fast. It can inspire bad acts. Indiana is not alone. Other states redraw maps. Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio help Republicans. California and Virginia help Democrats. Democrats need three seats for House control in 2026. That’s why Trump pushed hard. But Indiana said no. It’s the first GOP state to refuse. This might set an example. Inside the party, there is tension. Some call the rejection cowardly. They warn of bad outcomes. Like higher taxes or impeachment. But others see it as brave. It puts people first. Not party power.

What Happens Next?

Police will investigate the swatting. They want to find who sent the email. It’s a crime. Punishments are tough. Lawmakers meet Tuesday. It’s organization day. Pro-redistricting groups plan a rally. They want to push again. But the Senate stands firm. No session in December. Redistricting is off for now. Tax changes wait too. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act needs updates. That affects 2026 taxes. Goode will keep serving. He represents his district. He focuses on local needs. This story reminds us. Politics affects real lives. Words have power. Safety matters most.

Reactions from Around the State

People in Indiana react differently. Some support Goode. They like standing up to pressure. Others back Trump. They want stronger GOP maps. Local news covers it a lot. It sparks talks on radio and TV. Social media buzzes with opinions. Experts say this hurts trust. In government and each other. We need calm dialogue. Groups against gerrymandering cheer. They see it as a win for fair votes.

The Bigger Picture in U.S. Politics

Redistricting is hot nationwide. It shapes Congress. Who wins seats matters for laws. Trump’s push is part of a strategy. Keep GOP power. After 2024 wins, they want more. But opposition grows. In states and courts. Rules limit mid-decade changes. Indiana’s choice might inspire others. Say no to quick fixes. Think long-term. Voters watch closely. They vote in 2026. Maps affect their voice. This swatting adds danger. It shows risks for leaders. Who dare to differ. In the end, democracy needs safety. For all involved. Let’s hope for peace.

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