False Allegations Trigger Intervention, Buttigieg Reports
Former US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has detailed a harrowing 24-hour period where he was separated from his four-year-old twins following a false anonymous report to authorities. The incident, which he described as “among the darkest hours of my life,” involved intervention from the Michigan State Police and child protective services.
According to Buttigieg, the authorities visited his home in Traverse City after receiving an anonymous tip alleging he posed a danger to his children. This led to forensic interviews being arranged for his twins, and he was instructed not to be alone with them until these interviews were completed.
‘Bloodsport’ in Politics
The military veteran, who has navigated political attacks, death threats, and combat, stated that this event was the “ugliest thing that has happened to me since my career in service began.” He characterized the current political climate as increasingly resembling a “bloodsport,” a sentiment he has expressed in a recent Substack post.
Michigan State Police confirmed they received an anonymous report and, in conjunction with child protective services, responded to investigate. Authorities subsequently determined the report to be false.
Politically Motivated Allegations
Buttigieg revealed that investigators informed him the anonymous caller claimed he had confessed to violent crimes years prior during a supposed chance encounter in Alabama. However, Buttigieg stated he had never visited the town where the alleged meeting took place.
He was told by police that the allegation would not be referred to prosecutors, with authorities believing it to be politically motivated. Child Protective Services also found no evidence to substantiate the report.
“I cannot describe the mix of rage and sadness that I feel at the idea that someone brought our children into this,” Buttigieg wrote. “They are four years old. Four. They do not know or care what a Democrat or a Republican is.”
Targeted Despite Public Service
Buttigieg, a Democrat who previously ran for president and served as the first openly gay cabinet secretary, has historically faced anti-LGBTQ attacks. Recent years have seen conservative activists and some Republican officials challenge portrayals of same-sex parents as ordinary families.
He recalled facing criticism from some Republicans for taking paternity leave after adopting his twins with his husband, Chasten, during his tenure in the Biden administration.
The incident occurred shortly after he shared family photos online for Father’s Day in late June, a month also recognized as Pride Month. Buttigieg drew a parallel between this false report and the practice of “swatting,” where false calls to emergency services prompt an overwhelming response.
He noted that public officials across the political spectrum are increasingly targets of such hoaxes. Law enforcement agencies have cautioned that these incidents divert critical resources and endanger both first responders and the intended targets.
“It’s a cruel and dangerous kind of hoax that has started happening more frequently in recent years,” Buttigieg stated. “Now imagine the same concept, but with Child Protective Services instead of a SWAT team. Hadn’t thought of that? Me neither, until a few days ago.”
