The Independent: This man has been swatted 47 times for making a joke
Swatting continues because technology and accountability are lacking, says UC cybersecurity expert
Over five years ago, Patrick S. Tomlinson, a Milwaukee-based science fiction author, made a quip on X (then Twitter) about Norm Macdonald not being funny to him. Since then, according to an article in The Independent, Tomlinson has been swatted 47 times — at various locations, to include his home and on book tours.
Cybersecurity expert Gregory Winger, assistant professor of political science in UC's School of Public and International Affairs.
“Swatting” is when a team of armed police officers are sent to a location based on an erroneous 911 call that a specific person is perpetrating a dangerous crime at that location.
With a simple phone call, a cadre of “haters” focused on Tomlinson and didn’t let up … that is until a recent arrest. That arrest involved a 17-year-old who sold “swats” online and might be linked to the unrelenting attacks on Tomlinson. The investigation is still underway.
“People seem willing to do things online that they would never do in real life. And this is an illustration of where that kind of online harassment mentality can lead. It’s never been good, but now it’s actually dangerous,” Gregory Winger, a cybersecurity expert and an assistant professor in UC’s School of Public and International affairs, told The Independent.
Swatters, who often boast of their malicious activities on social media, are typically prosecuted under state False Information and Hoaxes laws but there is no federal statute, said Winger; even though swats have been made on political figures, religious leaders, celebrities and private citizens and cost tens of thousands of dollars in vital resources.
The FBI, he said, appears to be taking “swatting” more seriously, but he said there is a need for more sophisticated IT systems in police call centers to identify the location of where the phone call is coming from, and mandatory reporting of swats.
Featured image at top by South_Agency/iStock.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Senior peer career coaches graduate with resumes ready
April 17, 2021
Profiles three senior peer career coaches in the University of Cincinnati's Bearcat Promise Career Studio
UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research
April 12, 2021
Undergraduate student researchers in sciences and humanities recognized in 2021
UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research
April 29, 2020
Each spring, the University of Cincinnati’s Division of Experience-Based Learning and Career Education (ELCE) honors students in experience-based learning programs.
Listen: Cincy Playhouse shares CCM audio plays
May 28, 2021
Each audio play is its own story, and you can listen to these pieces for free in any order you choose. They represent a year-long collaboration that reached into many corners of Cincinnati. Students from all over UC (CCM Acting, Sound Design, Stage Management, Commercial Music Production, Digital Media, and the College of Arts & Sciences’ Fiction PhD program) and local professional writers (YA author Liz Coley and musician, comedian and raconteur Paul Strickland) came together to make something truly special. Paul Strickland's play will be available soon. The Playhouse is assisting CCM by hosting and helping to promote these free audio plays.
UC staff have elected their 2021-23 Staff Senators
June 8, 2021
Join us in congratulating the 2021-23 new Staff Senate members! Elections were held in early May, and new senators will begin their two-year term in July 2021. All UC staff are encouraged to be part of the enthusiasm and excitement for our new senators by attending the Staff Senate online meeting via WebEx, June 30, 9-11 a.m.
UC LGBTQ Center founder takes on new diversity role
June 1, 2021
When Leisan Smith, ’99, ME ’03, began work this year as the inaugural chief equity officer at the prestigious Columbus School for Girls, the school’s staff and faculty were thrilled. The job description, they said, “was written for you.”
The making of a successful Faculty & Staff Campaign
May 25, 2021
More than one-third of UC’s nearly 7,000 faculty and staff have already contributed to the 2020-21 Faculty & Staff Campaign, putting the goal of 45% within reach.
Engineering student shifts from the stage to the lab
May 14, 2021
Garek Bushnell came to the University of Cincinnati with a singular goal: to study acting. He graduated in April 2021 with his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering instead. Bushnell’s path between these two seemingly dissimilar fields is rooted in his mindset that following your passion will drive your determination to succeed – even if that passion comes from an unexpected source.
UC Foundation Board of Trustees elects six new members
May 11, 2021
The University of Cincinnati Foundation Board of Trustees has elected six new trustees to its 52-member board: Paul D. Green, BBA ’90; Lourdes J. Harshe, BBA ’92; Anndréa M. Moore, BBA’10; Arun C. Murthy, BBA ’95; Kirk L. Perry, BBA ’90, HON ‘15; and Christopher J. Van Pelt, BA ’91, MA ’93.
UC Blue Ash student presents research at a major international conference
July 13, 2021
When Aqsa Raja began an undergraduate research project last spring as part of her Honors Program experience at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College, she never imagined it would lead to a presentation just a year later at a major international conference for microbiologists.