Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jun 27: Former US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said his family was targeted by a false report made to authorities in Michigan, alleging that he posed a danger to his 4-year-old twins.
The Michigan State Police confirmed that it received an anonymous complaint regarding Buttigieg and that police and Child Protective Services officials responded to the report. After investigation, authorities determined that the allegation was false.
Buttigieg, who served in the administration of Joe Biden and is considered a possible contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, said police and child protection officials arrived at his Michigan home a few days ago following the complaint.
He said his children were temporarily removed from the home he shares with his husband Chasten Buttigieg before undergoing separate forensic interviews the following morning. Buttigieg was also questioned as part of the investigation.
According to Buttigieg, the anonymous caller claimed to have spoken with a woman who alleged she had met him at a conference in Alabama years ago, where she claimed he had confessed to committing serious violent crimes and that his children were at risk.
Buttigieg said he informed the officer that he had never visited the town mentioned in the allegation. He added that the officer believed the complaint appeared to be politically motivated and said the matter would not be referred to prosecutors.
“The officer made clear that he believed this was politically motivated,” Buttigieg said, adding that trained officials found no concerns during the children’s interviews.
He said he was separated from his children for nearly 24 hours during the investigation, describing the incident as “the ugliest thing” he had experienced since beginning his public service career.
The Michigan State Police said false reports are dangerous as they divert law enforcement and child protection resources away from genuine emergencies.
Buttigieg praised the officers and child protection workers involved but said the process caused unnecessary distress to his family. He also linked the timing of the incident to Pride Month and said it came shortly after his family shared photos online for Father’s Day.
The incident comes amid a rise in so-called “swatting” attacks in the US, where individuals make false emergency reports to trigger a heavy police response against targeted people.
Several public figures, including government officials and politicians, have faced similar incidents in recent years. In a swatting case last month, the home of Amy Coney Barrett was targeted after a false report of gunshots.
Buttigieg has not announced a 2028 presidential bid, though he remains among the names being discussed as a potential Democratic candidate along with figures such as Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom.