Swatting, a terrifying and all-too-common occurrence, has the power to shatter lives in an instant. IShowSpeed, a renowned online streamer with over 20 million subscribers, recently fell victim to this malicious act not once, but twice within a single week while streaming from his new residence.
In a distressing video posted on X (formerly Twitter) on November 21, IShowSpeed is seen reacting to a disturbance while engrossed in a game. He hastily removes his headset, visibly distressed, and repeatedly exclaims “oh my god” before leaving to investigate the situation.
A subsequent image from the stream captures the alarming sight of an officer aiming a gun, presumably directed at IShowSpeed. Fortunately, the streamer emerged physically unscathed from this incident. However, the ordeal was far from over.
During IShowSpeed’s next stream, the police were called to his house once again, marking the second swatting incident in the same week. In a video shared on X on November 22, IShowSpeed answers a call from his assistant Slipz, who urgently informs him that the police have returned to their doorstep.
Slipz, clearly infuriated, passionately defends IShowSpeed and their home. He explains that upon moving in, they had taken precautions to inform the police about their identities, hoping to prevent such incidents. “We did everything we were supposed to do,” he asserts, expressing disappointment that the police failed to provide advance notice, as swatting can have fatal consequences.
The distress and frustration are palpable as IShowSpeed contemplates quitting YouTube, unable to bear the weight of these harrowing experiences any longer. The video concludes with him walking away from his computer, and since then, he has not streamed live.
Swatting remains the ultimate nightmare for streamers. Its inherent danger, needless nature, and potential to destroy lives in an instant are undeniable. Moreover, it is crucial to remember that swatting is not only illegal but has also resulted in tragic fatalities, as exemplified by a 20-year prison sentence handed down to an individual responsible for a fatal swatting incident in 2017, claiming the life of another gamer.
Source: DOTESPORTS
