Actor Ned Luke, known for voicing Michael in the popular video game Grand Theft Auto V, announced on social media that a person responsible for a swatting incident against him has been convicted. The conviction follows an event during a livestream on Thanksgiving Day 2023, where law enforcement was dispatched to his home based on a false report.
On Saturday, Luke shared a photo on Instagram of a notification letter from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Victim Notification System. The letter provided an update on the case and confirmed the conviction of the individual involved in the swatting incident. Luke captioned the post, “F— around and find out,” while indicating that additional names related to the case have been identified.
Details of the Incident
The swatting incident occurred on November 23, 2023, during a livestream session where Luke was playing GTA Online. As he engaged with his audience, the stream was suddenly interrupted when he received a phone call. Luke informed viewers that law enforcement officials were present at his residence, stating, “I’ve gotta go, these a——- have swatted my house.” He later confirmed his safety following the incident.
Swatting is a dangerous prank that involves making a false report to emergency services, often with the intent of sending a heavy police presence to the victim’s location. The term “swatting” derives from the potential involvement of special weapons and tactics (SWAT) teams, who may respond to such calls without prior knowledge of the situation, putting both the individual being targeted and law enforcement at risk.
Legal Consequences
According to the notification letter, the convicted individual is set to be sentenced in Washington D.C. on January 27, 2024. While Luke did not disclose the name of the convicted party, the implications of this case highlight the serious legal consequences associated with swatting.
Luke’s experience has drawn attention to the broader issue of swatting in the online gaming community and the potential dangers faced by livestreamers. The conviction serves as a reminder of the severe repercussions of such malicious actions, not only for the individuals involved but for the community at large.
