Pete Buttigieg describes swatting incident that separated him from his children

In June 2026, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his husband Chasten were the victims of a swatting attack after an anonymous caller made a false child‑abuse allegation to Michigan police and Child Protective Services. Officers and a CPS worker arrived at their Traverse City home, took the couple’s four‑year‑old twins for interviews, and kept the children away for about 24 hours. Buttigieg called the episode "one of the most awful moments" of his life and said it was among the darkest hours he has endured. Michigan State Police later confirmed the tip was false and warned that such false reports divert resources from genuine emergencies. Buttigieg urged that the perpetrator be prosecuted, condemned the hostile political climate, and reaffirmed his commitment to public service. The incident drew bipartisan condemnation and widespread public solidarity.