Share this @internewscast.com

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows was the target of a “swatting call” on Friday night, state police said.

The incident happened just a day after Bellows, a Democrat, ruled former President Donald Trump is constitutionally ineligible to appear on the state’s primary ballot next year.

State police said they received a call at about 8:15 p.m. from a man who said he had broken into Bellows’ home. When officers arrived, they found no one at the house, and they checked the exterior of the property as well as the interior at the request of Bellows, who was not at home at the time.

The state police said they found nothing suspicious inside the home, and the caller has not been identified. They added that the incident remains under investigation, and they are working with law enforcement partners “to provide special attention to any and all appropriate locations.”

“Swatting” is a false report of a crime or emergency that is intended to draw a police presence to a location.

Bellows did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment.

In a statement she posted on her Facebook profile page on Saturday, Bellows said, “We were not home yesterday when threats escalated, and our home address was posted online. It was a good thing because our home was swatted last night. That’s when someone calls in a fake emergency to evoke a strong law enforcement response to scare the target. Swatting incidents have resulted in casualties although thankfully this one did not.

“This behavior is unacceptable,” she continued. “The non-stop threatening communications the people who work for me endured all day yesterday is unacceptable. It’s designed to scare not only me but also others into silence, to send a message.”

In her statement, Bellows expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their support as well as to the employees at her department. She also made a plea for those reading her message to “encourage those whom you influence to de-escalate the rhetoric.”

“We should be able to agree to disagree on important issues without threats and violence,” she added.

Bellows’ decision followed a first-of-its-kind ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court last week that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution bars Trump from holding office again because of his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Bellows’ office said her decision would not be enforced until the courts weigh in, “given the compressed timeframe, the novel constitutional questions involved, the importance of this case, and impending ballot preparation deadlines.”

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement after the decision, “We will quickly file a legal objection in state court to prevent this atrocious decision in Maine from taking effect.”

He also called Bellows “a former ACLU attorney, a virulent leftist and a hyper-partisan Biden-supporting Democrat who has decided to interfere in the presidential election on behalf of Crooked Joe Biden.”

Trump had demanded Bellows, a former state senator, recuse herself from the case, arguing she was too partisan and prejudiced because she had called the Jan. 6 attack an “insurrection.”

Trump is expected to appeal the Colorado high court decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Courts in Michigan, Arizona and Minnesota have ruled against petitions to disqualify Trump from the ballots in those states.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Officials release new details weeks after blast at Tennessee explosives plant kills 16

New Details Unveiled in Tragic Tennessee Explosives Plant Blast That Claimed 16 Lives

In the wake of a devastating explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems, officials…
Trump speaks at tele-rally to boost GOP's chances in governor's race in New Jersey

Trump Rallies Virtually: Energizing GOP Voters for New Jersey Governor’s Race Victory

In a spirited appeal to his supporters in New Jersey, former President…
Neutrogena makeup remover wipes recalled over bacterial contamination

Neutrogena Recalls Makeup Wipes Due to Bacterial Contamination Concerns

More than 1,300 cases of makeup remover wipes distributed across four states…
More than 2 million pounds of barbecue pork jerky recalled over metal contamination

Urgent Recall: Over 2 Million Pounds of BBQ Pork Jerky Pulled from Shelves Due to Metal Contamination

Consumers are advised to dispose of the recalled jerky or return it…
Army Officer Court-Martialed Over COVID Rules by Vindman Brother Finally Reinstated on Active Duty

Army Officer Rejoins Active Duty After Vindman Brother’s Court-Martial Overturns COVID Rules Case

Mark Bashaw, previously the only member of the Armed Forces to face…
Company recalls 2 million pounds of barbecue pork jerky that may contain metal wire

Urgent Recall: 2 Million Pounds of BBQ Pork Jerky Pulled from Shelves Over Metal Wire Contamination Concerns

A South Dakota-based company has issued a recall for over 2.2 million…
Dashcam video shows deadly freeway crash involving suspected illegal immigrant trucker

Shocking Dashcam Footage Reveals Fatal Freeway Collision Involving Alleged Undocumented Trucker

A shocking dashcam video has emerged capturing a fatal incident on a…
NATO fighter jets scrambled after Russian planes allegedly violate airspace

NATO Jets Respond to Suspected Russian Airspace Breach

Two Spanish fighter jets on NATO air policing duties were dispatched after…
Colts cheerleader uses sign language to converse with deaf fan at his first game

Heartwarming Moment: Colts Cheerleader Bridges the Gap with Sign Language at Deaf Fan’s First Game

Colts cheerleader Morgan McLain, who studied American Sign Language (ASL) as a…
German chancellor defends remarks on migrants suggesting citizens 'afraid to move around in public spaces'

German Chancellor Addresses Public Concerns Over Migrant Impact on Safety

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reiterated his stance on migration, asserting that…
'I'm not afraid of anything anymore': St. Augustine pastor reflects one year after brutal stabbing

St. Augustine Pastor Finds Courage and Resilience One Year After Surviving Brutal Stabbing

“Stabbings are not something that happen at breakfast,” remarked Rev. Matt Marino,…
Homeowner arrested after armed clash with teen prankster: report

Homeowner Arrested Following Armed Confrontation with Teen Prankster: Legal Implications and Community Impact

A Florida man’s reaction to a neighborhood prank took a serious turn,…