Hoax bomb threat to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene leads to deadly crash in Rome

ROME, Ga. - Federal authorities are investigating whether a bomb threat against Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s home in north Georgia may have originated from a Russian IP address. The threats ultimately claimed the life of a bystander in a crash involving officers responding to the scene.

Officers with the Rome Police Department were dispatched on Monday afternoon after a message with the subject "For Palestine" was received. The bomb squad eventually determined there was not a threat present.

"I’ve constructed a pipe bomb which I recently hid in Marjorie Taylor Green’s mailbox," the message read in part. "It is set to go off during the weekend but it would also explode the next time anybody opens the mailbox."

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., talks with the media before a meeting with Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, and House and Senate Republicans in the Capitol Visitor Center about President-elect Donald Trump's "Department of Government Efficiency," on T

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The message went on to state that even if the Georgia congresswoman didn’t open her mailbox herself, the writer would still be "satisfied with the prospect of some pig cops losing their lives or being injured."

The message ended: "VIVA VIVA PALESTINA."

"We are pleased to report that Congresswoman Greene is safe," a spokesperson for Greene wrote. "She extends her heartfelt gratitude to the Rome Police Department for their swift and professional response in ensuring her safety."

The congresswoman’s office says law enforcement were able to track the origin of the message to a Russian IP address. Her office is working closely with local and federal authorities.

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Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene offers condolences after deadly crash

A Rome police officer got into a crash on the way to the call near Rodmond Road at the Gala Shopping Center around the Norfolk Southern Railroad. 

"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," Greene posted to X, formerly Twitter.

A member of the bomb squad searches for any threats at Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's home in Rome, Georgia on Dec. 9, 2024. (Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene)

The officer, who is part of the bomb squad, was reportedly in a personal vehicle responding to the congresswoman's home when they got into a crash.

According to police, 66-year-old Tammie Pickelsimer was leaving a private lot when her vehicle was hit in the driver's side by the officer's 2015 GMC Sierra. Pickelsimer was rushed to the hospital, where she died from her injuries.

"My prayers are with Tammie Pickelsimer, her family, the officer who was injured, and the entire Rome Police Department," Rep. Greene wrote.

Rep. Greene stressed that 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," she wrote.

"The perpetrator of this crime has committed murder in our small community of Rome, Georgia," she continued. "The police shouldn’t have to respond to these threats and there should not be deaths caused at their hands."

Rep. Greene has been the target of hoaxes in the past, being swatted at least nine times during her tenure in Congress.

"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," the congresswoman concluded. "I’m sick to my stomach, but I’m also angry. This should have never happened and I pray it never happens again."