Breaking News: International Journalist's Alabama Home Targeted in Swatting Incident
Officers with AR-15's storm the home of investigative journalist Larry Taunton, known for uncovering USAID corruption.
In the early hours of March 17, 2025, the Alabama residence of international journalist and author, Larry Alex Taunton, was targeted in a swatting incident. Talladega County law enforcement responded to a false report of an active shooter at Taunton's home, arriving heavily armed with AR-15 rifles. Upon arrival, officers determined the call was a hoax.
Taunton, known for his international podcast and investigative reporting, has several hundred thousand followers. He shared details of the incident on his X account at 2:13 AM:
"I was just SWATed. Someone made a call to police claiming to be hiding in my home as I was shooting people. Five men, all armed with AR15s, came to my home. I came out with a weapon of my own. I’m grateful for their professionalism & restraint. This might’ve been a bloodbath."
Taunton has gained international recognition for exposing alleged corruption within the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), including claims that funds were misused to facilitate illegal immigration into the United States. He produced a documentary on the topic last year. Earlier this year, Taunton was detained in Cairo, Egypt, while investigating USAID facilities.
President Donald Trump recently acknowledged Taunton's work on the Steve Bannon Show, commending him for his investigative efforts and encouraging him to continue exposing corruption.
Authorities are actively investigating the source of the false report. Swatting, making a false report to dispatch armed law enforcement to an unsuspecting person’s residence, poses serious risks to both victims and officers.
*This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available. We have reached out to authorities for a comment.*
