Press Releases

Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Schools Want Accountability for Threats (SWAT) Act to increase the penalty for a swatting attack that specifically targets a school to up to 20 years in prison. This new legislation comes amid a concerning rise in these crimes. In the last year, more than 500 schools across the country were targets of swatting attacks, including many schools in the Hudson Valley.

"As the father of a little girl who will soon be entering into the school system, I have zero tolerance for anyone who would threaten the safety and wellbeing of our children," said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17).

"Swatting incites terror among parents, traumatizes students and teachers, delays classroom instruction, and often results in the unnecessary deployment of law enforcement," Congressman Lawler (NY-17) continued. "It is critical that we give prosecutors the resources to hold these criminals accountable for the full extent of their crimes and prevent threats against schools in the first place. The SWAT Act will do exactly that."

The SWAT Act is co-sponsored by Representatives Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), Troy Balderson (OH-12), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Anthony D'Esposito (NY-04). It is endorsed by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), the International Union of Police Associations, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), and the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA).

New York's 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.