During another new interview this time on the MSNBC program “Morning Joe,” Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows condemned the targeting she’s faced after her recent decision against former President Donald Trump appearing on ballots in her state for the unfolding presidential race.
She made this decision in connection to provisions of the 14th Amendment that block individuals who previously took an oath of office and then engaged in insurrection from later holding elected positions. The connection made to Trump was the violence of January 6, 2021, around which a series of authorities have deemed him responsible. Bellows’ decision, which has quickly gone to appeals, followed a challenge to Trump’s eligibility for the ballot brought by a small group of Maine residents in accordance with previously established procedures under state law. Bellows has faced personal targeting from Trump’s political corner, including communicated aggression targeting even her family.
And in a recent incident, she was targeted by swatting, which refers to the placement of a law enforcement call using fake claims that’s oriented towards sparking an often serious response from local authorities at a targeted address. In general, an individual perpetrating the act might make false claims of kidnapping or a hostage situation, for instance.
“I also have been deeply concerned at the aggressive, abusive, and threatening communications targeting my staff, my family, and, indeed, on Friday night, my home was swatted,” Bellows told MSNBC. “[Law enforcement] acted completely appropriately and were in great communication with me. […] But just because it was fake and — swatting is a fake call — doesn’t make it any less dangerous. And these types of attacks need to stop. The proper process is to follow the rule of law. And that is what I have done. I have done my duty under the Constitution, and it is now in the hands of the courts.”
There was also recently reporting about the FBI getting involved in responding to threats towards Colorado judges involved in a similar decision blocking Trump from ballots there, a decision that was also appealed. Watch below:
