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2018 News Archives for the Rhode Island House of
Representatives Republican Caucus ​

Rep. Nardolillo will introduce legislation to combat the dangerous national trend known as “swatting”

2/5/2018

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Providence, RI - Rep. Nardolillo (R District 28 – Coventry) will introduce legislation to combat the dangerous national trend known as “swatting.
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​The act of falsely reporting a serious crime in progress in hopes of causing a police response is known as “swatting” and it has been a growing problem in recent years. Most recently, the “prank” left a Kansas man dead after police received a call alleging he was holding his family at gunpoint. The report was actually filed by a 25-year-old man in California who had been playing against the victim in the online video game Call of Duty.

Sadly, this is one of a number of incidents resulting from the prank. In 2015, a Maryland man was seriously wounded after officers were dispatched to his home based on a “swatting” call and in 2009, a 19-year-old man was sentenced to 11 years in prison for carrying out dozens of “swatting” pranks across the country.

“After I learned about the shooting in Wichita and the other incidents that had occurred before, I knew that something had to be done. This kind of behavior wastes valuable police resources and risks innocent lives for no reason,” stated Rep. Nardolillo.

According to the FBI, there are around 400 incidences of “swatting” every year but others argue that number could be in the thousands. Unfortunately, the bureau does not keep track of “swatting” incidents because they are so difficult to investigate and prosecute.

Rep. Nardolillo’s bill would give prosecutors more power to fight back against those who commit these acts by increasing the penalties associated with false reporting. Anyone who knowingly calls in a false report of a kidnapping or attempted murder in progress, both mainstays of “swatting,” shall be subject to a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 5 years in prison. Additionally, the victim may also be able to seek compensation from the person who called in the false report for any damages they incur.

“This legislation will ensure that the citizens of our state as well as our law enforcement community have a way to fight back against this cowardly act. If we can prevent a tragedy like the event in Kansas from happening here, it will all be worth it,” Rep. Nardolillo said.

Contact Information
Ian O'Connor, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-2259
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About rhode island house republicans


​In 1636, Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, established the first working model of Democracy after being banished from Massachusetts for his “extreme views” concerning freedom of speech and religion. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams publicly acknowledged Williams as the originator of these concepts, along with the freedom of public assembly, in the First Amendment in the United States Constitution. Today, Rhode Island House Republicans uphold the liberties designed by our Founders and preserved in our Constitution, and are the primary legislative body promoting lean government, fighting for lower taxes, and advocating for initiatives and policies that improve the economy and in turn, the lives of Rhode Islanders.  As members of a part-time assembly, we are small business owners, retired educators, community activists, lawyers, farmers, military service veterans, volunteers, former local officials, retired social workers, coaches, musicians, churchgoers and board directors -- bringing these community engagement and professional experiences to our work, on your behalf, at the Rhode Island State House.

​2025 Rhode Island State House Republicans | 82 Smith Street, Room 106 Providence, RI 02903 | 401..222..2259 | Email Us
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    • Richard R. Fascia
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