Ghanbari Issues Statement on Swatting Incident at His Home

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Haraz N. Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg) has released the following statement Friday after becoming the victim of a swatting incident at his home.  

“This afternoon I was contacted by the Perrysburg Police Department after their dispatch received communication indicating an individual has been shot at our residence,” Ghanbari said. “This false report prompted a response by law enforcement officers who arrived on scene and swiftly cleared our home.”

Swatting is generally known as a prank phone call to emergency services which results in an emergency response to a given address. The goal is to get authorities, particularly a SWAT team, to show up.

Similar incidents targeting elected officials in Ohio and across the country have transpired in recent days. An active investigation is underway, and Rep. Ghanbari will have no further comment at this time.

Ghanbari expresses his gratitude to the professionalism and prompt response of The Perrysburg Police Department, The Ohio State Highway Patrol, The Columbus Police Department and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force as these entities are engaged in this active investigation.