Leaked memo warned officials 'vulnerable' to attacks — 'months' before shootings
A man over the weekend allegedly posed as a police officer and fatally shot a Democratic state lawmaker in her home. According to the Associated Press, the same suspect also shot and wounded a second lawmaker, who could still live.
The Daily Beast over the weekend reported:
"Just months ago, analysts at the Department of Homeland Security warned that high-profile officials were increasingly 'vulnerable to attack' at their own homes."
The report continues:
"A leaked Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memo warned months before Saturday’s shooting that public officials face growing threats of attacks at their personal residences."
According to the Beast, "Just months ago, DHS analysts warned that high-profile officials were increasingly 'vulnerable to attack' at their own homes as potential attackers shift away from traditional targets such as government buildings and corporate offices, in a confidential memo obtained by ABC News."
The outlet goes on to report that the memo specifically discussed swatting incidents, which have become increasingly more common in recent years, especially as it relates to political targets.
"Noting 'recent uptick in online messaging promoting attacks at their homes, doxing and swatting incidents, and several notable attacks,' the memo, which leaked in March, described an escalating threat from potential attackers targeting public figures where they live," the report states. "Private homes often lack more 'robust security measures' and are 'accessible with limited obstacles,' the memo suggested."