Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith prays with pro-redistricting group on Org Day
Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith prays with pro-redistricting group on Org Day.
An Indiana senator’s business was the target of a bomb threat, making him at least the sixth Indiana senator to face a violent threat or swatting attempt this week as Republican leaders urge an end to the intimidation tactics leveled against lawmakers.
A bomb threat was made at a business owned by Sen. Andy Zay, R-Huntington, on Nov. 20, the lawmaker shared in a press release the next day, yet another incident in a “troubling pattern against lawmakers” this week.
The swatting attempts and threats of violence started shortly after Republican Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray announced the Senate wouldn’t convene over redistricting, due to a lack of votes needed to get a new congressional map across the finish line. The decision split the Republican party.
“I want to be clear: I strongly condemn these acts, which have no place in our political process,” Zay said in the news release. “While the intent behind these intimidation threats seems to be to instill fear in public officials, I can assure my constituents that I remain committed to serving our district, being your voice and continuing my work at the Statehouse.”
Zay also thanked the Indiana State Police, which is investigating the threats against lawmakers and has said it intends to seek criminal prosecution for those responsible.
The bomb threat against the Huntington lawmaker follows swatting attempts against four Republican senators and threats of “violence” at the home of Sen. Kyle Walker, R-Fishers.
Unlike the other lawmakers to be targeted, Zay has expressed support for redistricting and voted to reconvene in December to take up the issue.
The incidents have been condemned by multiple Republican leaders, including U.S. Sen. Todd Young and the Indiana GOP.
Contact breaking politics reporter Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com or follow her on X @marissa_meador.
