Following a false report of a suicide threat at the Warsaw residence of TV Republika editor Tomasz Sakiewicz on May 15, police are investigating a wave of malicious swattings.
False Alerts and Police Response
On Friday, May 15, authorities responded to an emergency call reporting a potential suicide at the Warsaw apartment of TV Republika editor Tomasz Sakiewicz. The incident occurred during a surge of similar false reports, leading to the arrest of a 53-year-old suspect.
The Warsaw II District Police confirmed they received a high-priority report regarding a life-threatening situation at the address. Officers entered the premises and placed a woman, who refused to cooperate or identify herself, in handcuffs to secure the scene before determining the threat was entirely fabricated.
Misinformation Targeting Officers
A separate issue has emerged involving a disinformation campaign online that slanders a Silesian police officer. Photos of the officer are being circulated with false claims accusing him of harassing independent journalists.
The police have formally demanded an immediate halt to the spread of these false claims and hateful commentary, clarifying that the officer in question had no involvement in the Sakiewicz intervention.
Political Fallout and Official Reactions
Karol Nawrocki stated on the X platform that the use of false reporting to trigger police raids on media outlets crosses a dangerous threshold. Meanwhile, newly appointed BBN head Bartosz Grodecki announced he would demand a report from the Ministry of Interior regarding these events.
Minister of Interior Marcin Kierwiński responded by labeling Grodecki’s claims as false, emphasizing that the police acted purely to address a reported threat to human life, and urged officials to rely on verified police statements.