To the Honorable Members of the United States Congress,

We, the undersigned, urgently call for the passage of comprehensive federal legislation to prevent swatting, a malicious and dangerous practice where individuals make false emergency reports to provoke aggressive law enforcement responses, often targeting live streamers and content creators. Swatting endangers lives, wastes public resources, and instills fear in communities. We propose the establishment of a government-funded national registration system, integrated with local law enforcement, to protect registered streamers and content creators from swatting incidents.

The Problem: Swatting’s Devastating Impact

Definition: Swatting involves hoax calls to 911 or non-emergency lines, falsely reporting serious crimes (e.g., hostage situations, bomb threats) to elicit a tactical police response, often involving SWAT teams. The term derives from “Special Weapons and Tactics” (SWAT).

Dangers: Swatting has led to injuries, deaths, and significant trauma. In 2017, Andrew Finch was fatally shot by police in Wichita, Kansas, due to a swatting call over an online gaming dispute. Public figures, streamers, and gamers are frequent targets, with author Patrick Tomlinson swatted over 40 times.

Costs: Each incident wastes approximately $10,000 in public resources and diverts law enforcement from genuine emergencies. The FBI estimates 400 swatting attacks occur annually, with some costing up to $100,000.

 Current Gaps: While swatting is prosecutable under federal and state laws (e.g., 18 U.S.C. § 1001 for false statements, California Penal Code 148.3), enforcement is reactive, and prevention is limited. Perpetrators use caller ID spoofing and other technologies to evade detection, complicating investigations.

Our Solution: A National Streamer Registration System

We propose the Safe Streaming Act, which would:

Create a Voluntary National Registry: Establish a federal database, managed by the Department of Homeland Security or the FBI, where content creators (e.g., live streamers, gamers, public figures) can register their personal information, including home addresses and contact details.

Integrate with Local Law Enforcement: Link the registry to 911 dispatch centers and local police departments. When an emergency call targets a registered address, dispatchers receive an alert to verify the call’s legitimacy before deploying a tactical response.

Fund Implementation: Allocate federal funding to develop and maintain the registry, train dispatchers, and equip local agencies with access to the system. This ensures no financial burden on local governments or streamers.

Enhance Penalties: Strengthen existing federal laws to impose mandatory minimum sentences (e.g., 5 years for swatting, 20 years if serious injury occurs) and civil liability for perpetrators to cover emergency response costs and victim damages.

Promote Awareness: Launch a public education campaign to inform streamers about the registry and encourage privacy practices (e.g., using VPNs, securing personal information).

 Why This Matters

Protects Lives: A registry reduces the risk of violent misunderstandings during swatting responses, safeguarding streamers, their families, and law enforcement officers.

Saves Resources: By flagging potential hoaxes, the system minimizes wasted emergency responses, allowing police to focus on real threats.

Supports Content Creators: Streamers, who contribute to the $50 billion global creator economy, deserve a safe environment to work without fear of harassment.

Builds on Existing Efforts: Seattle’s Swatting Registry (2018) and Wichita’s similar program demonstrate the feasibility of localized systems. A national, federally funded version would ensure consistency and accessibility.

Addresses Free Speech Concerns: Swatting is not protected speech; it’s a coordinated attack that weaponizes emergency services. A registry empowers creators to continue their work securely.

Call to Action

We urge Congress to:

Introduce and pass the Safe Streaming Act within the next legislative session.

Allocate funding in the federal budget to establish and maintain the national streamer registration system.

Hold hearings with law enforcement, content creators, and victims of swatting to refine the legislation.

Work bipartisanly, building on prior efforts like the Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act (2025) and the Interstate Swatting Hoax Act (2015).

 Swatting is a preventable crime that demands urgent action. By implementing a national registration system, Congress can protect content creators, law enforcement, and communities from this reckless and deadly practice. We, the petitioners, stand united in demanding a safer digital and physical world for all.

Sincerely,

Reverendlutionary Randall C Newman II

FOUNDER, Forever Couch Gang, LLC.