A Romanian national, Thomasz Szabo, was sentenced to four years in federal prison for leading an online swatting ring that targeted more than 75 public officials, multiple journalists, and four religious institutions. Extradited from Romania after pleading guilty to conspiracy and threats involving explosives, Szabo personally made false bomb and mass-shooting threats — including against New York City synagogues and the U.S. Capitol — and urged followers to carry out widespread swatting attacks. #ThomaszSzabo #USCapitol
Keypoints
- Thomasz Szabo received a four-year federal prison sentence and three years of supervised release.
- He founded and led an online community that began a pattern of bomb threats and swatting attacks in late 2020.
- Szabo personally made false reports, including threats against New York City synagogues and plans to detonate explosives at the U.S. Capitol.
- His encouragement of followers produced a concentrated spree targeting members of Congress, cabinet officials, law enforcement, judges, and state officials.
- The attacks drained law enforcement resources, wasted taxpayer money, endangered civilians, and an accomplice, Nemanja Radovanovic, also faces charges.