LICKING COUNTY, Ohio — Public officials across the country, including Ohio, are reeling following a recent swatting spree sending law enforcement to their homes.

What You Need To Know

  • Swatting is the act of making a phony 911 call prompting officials to send multiple teams to a particular address

  • State Rep. Kevin Miller sponsored legislation prohibiting swatting, making the crime a felony; Miller, former State Rep. Rick Carfagna, State Sen. Andrew Brenner, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost were all victims of swatting last week

  • The Licking County Sheriff's Office sent deputies to Miller's home in response to a report of a fatal shooting, the call was bogus 

Last week, 911 calls reporting a deadly shooting and hostage situation sent first responders to the homes of State Rep. Kevin Miller, former State Rep. Rick Carfagna, State Sen. Andrew Brenner, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. Miller said all were tied to legislation cracking down on swatting that went into effect last year.  

Miller said he plans to investigate the possibility of additional legislation addressing the technology that is allowing swatting incidents to happen.