ROME, GA — A tragic incident unfolded as 66-year-old Tammie Pickelsimer was killed while police responded to a bomb threat at the home of U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. According to authorities, a local bomb squad officer collided with another vehicle en route to the scene on Monday. The bomb threat, communicated via an email warning of a pipe bomb in Greene’s mailbox and mentioning Palestine, was sent to the assistant police chief.
Rep. Greene reported the threat on social media, noting that the email's origin was traced to a Russian IP address. She described the incident as another case of "swatting," where false threats provoke emergency responses to her home. Greene has experienced this at least nine times. She condemned the act as a "despicable crime" with fatal consequences, stating, "The perpetrator of this crime has committed murder in our small community of Rome, Georgia."
The officer involved in the collision was driving his personal vehicle to assist the bomb squad and sustained injuries, though the severity was not immediately known. Greene expressed her distress and anger over the incident, saying, "I’m sick to my stomach, but I’m also angry. This should have never happened and I pray it never happens again."
The bomb threat and subsequent fatal accident highlight the severe impact of such malicious acts. The Rome police are investigating the incident, and the community mourns the loss of Tammie Pickelsimer. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the threat or the collision to come forward.
This incident underscores the dangers and consequences of false threats and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of public officials and their communities. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on preventing similar tragedies in the future and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The community's response reflects a collective call for justice and a commitment to preventing further harm.
