Highlights
- BeardedBlevins plans to press charges following a swatting incident during his Twitch stream, expressing gratitude toward law enforcement.
- Swatting poses serious risks to streamers and their families, as evidenced by recent incidents targeting high-profile streamers like BeardedBlevins and others.
- The dangers of swatting are underscored by past incidents, including one in 2017 where a man was shot and killed by police due to a swatting prank.
BeardedBlevins, the brother of popular streamer Ninja, has announced that he plans to press charges following a swatting incident during his Twitch stream. Jonathan ‘BeardedBlevins’ Blevins currently boasts over 100,000 followers on the Amazon-owned streaming platform Twitch and is widely recognized for his engaging Fortnite and Just Chatting streams.
Swatting, a concerning issue in the live-streaming world, involves deceiving the police into responding to a false emergency at a streamer's location, posing serious risks to the streamer and their family members. These incidents often target high-profile streamers, aiming to disrupt their broadcasts. For instance, in January, a professional Valorant player and former Counter-Strike pro experienced swatting while streaming on Twitch. Understandably, the streamer was upset by the incident and took to social media to express his frustration, emphasizing that swatting is not a joke and can endanger lives.
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BeardedBlevins to Pursue Charges After Swatting
Recently, BeardedBlevins, the brother of Twitch's most followed streamer Ninja, found himself swatted during his stream on May 31. According to Dexerto, BeardedBlevins quickly shared his experience on his Twitter account, expressing disbelief at the situation. However, he later updated his followers with another post, reassuring them that everyone was safe. Detailing the events, BeardedBlevins mentioned that police arrived with weapons drawn while his wife communicated with them and the children observed from the basement window. He also noted that he had previously informed authorities about the potential for swatting, which likely mitigated the severity of the situation.
Additionally, the streamer expressed gratitude towards law enforcement for their response and stated his intention to cooperate in identifying the perpetrator and pursuing legal action. Fans offered supportive messages, with one expressing sympathy, hope for justice, and safety for the family. However, amidst this display of solidarity, it's notable that BeardedBlevins has since removed his Twitch swatting-related incident tweets. The reasons behind this decision remain undisclosed, adding another layer of intrigue to an already unsettling episode.
Swatting is undeniably a dangerous act, and unfortunately, there seems to be no easy solution to prevent it. Reflecting on the dangers of swatting, it's crucial to highlight the case of popular streamer QTCinderella, who revealed in 2022 that she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after her home was targeted in a swatting incident. Additionally, the tragic incident in 2017, where a 28-year-old man from Wichita, Kansas, was shot and killed by police due to a swatting prank gone awry, goes to show the reality of the risks associated with such incidents.