Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) expressed heartbreak and outrage after a police officer responding to a bomb threat at her home was involved in a fatal car crash that claimed the life of an innocent woman.
On Monday, a member of the Rome Police Department’s bomb squad was en route to address an apparent threat directed at the congresswoman when his vehicle collided with another car near Redmond Road in Rome, Georgia.
The accident resulted in the death of 66-year-old Tammy Pickelsimer. The responding officer, who was traveling in a personal vehicle to join the bomb squad, was also injured in the crash.
The Rome Police Department confirmed the incident in a social media post, warning of significant travel delays near the Norfolk Southern Railroad Tracks due to the accident.
Rep. Greene, who has been a frequent target of politically motivated threats, took to social media to share her grief and outrage.
Greene went on to accuse the perpetrator of the bomb threat of “murder” and lamented the toll such incidents take on small communities like Rome, Georgia.
She wrote:
“I’m heartsick right now. I was just informed that an innocent woman died today in an auto accident involving a member of the Rome Police bomb squad who was responding to the threat at my home.
My prayers are with Tammie Pickelsimer, her family, the officer who was injured, and the entire Rome Police Department.
These violent political threats have fatal consequences. It’s an undue strain on our law enforcement who must treat them seriously. The officer was responding to protect my life. And now, a woman has lost her life because of this despicable act.
The perpetrator of this crime has committed murder in our small community of Rome, Georgia.
The police shouldn’t have to respond to these threats and there should not be deaths caused at their hands.
I’m so thankful for everything the Rome Police Department does to protect our city and for putting their lives on the line to do it.
I’m sick to my stomach, but I’m also angry. This should have never happened and I pray it never happens again.”
I’m heartsick right now. I was just informed that an innocent woman died today in an auto accident involving a member of the Rome Police bomb squad who was responding to the threat at my home.
My prayers are with Tammie Pickelsimer, her family, the officer who was injured, and… https://t.co/eGaUoZkMWs
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) December 10, 2024
The bomb threat, which Greene condemned as a “violent political attack,” adds to a troubling pattern of politically motivated threats and acts of intimidation against conservatives.
Several prominent figures within Republican circles and President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team have faced similar attacks, including bomb threats and “swatting” incidents.
“Several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them. These attacks ranged from bomb threats to ‘swatting.’ In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action,” Trump spox Karoline Leavitt said.
Among those targeted was Rep. Elise Stefanik, nominated for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik, along with her husband and their 3-year-old son, was en route to their home in Saratoga County, New York, when they were informed of a bomb threat directed at their residence.
Howard Lutnick, selected as Secretary of Commerce, also faced a harrowing situation. The New York Police Department received a 911 call reporting a terrorist bomb threat at Lutnick’s home. Authorities acted quickly to ensure his safety.
Similarly, former Representative Lee Zeldin, nominated to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, was the target of a pipe bomb threat.
