The US state of Kansas has introduced a new law against swatting. This is in the name of Andrew T. Finch, who was the victim of a swatting call last December, related to the online shooter Call of Duty.
The Kansas Senate has approved the “Andrew T. Finch” Anti-Swatting Law, which now goes to the governor of Kansas for final approval.
New Anti-Swatting Law Toughens Penalties
The new law stipulates that anyone who makes a swatting call that results in a death or serious injury will be charged with a felony, with prison sentences ranging from 10 to 41 years. This depends on the defendant’s criminal history.
The law was initiated after 28-year-old Andrew T. Finch was shot by a police officer at the door of his apartment in December 2017, as the officer believed he was a dangerous killer and hostage-taker.
The police had followed a call from a 25-year-old. This suspect, Tyler Barriss, was known in the Call of Duty scene as someone who makes such swatting calls. Two players who had a dispute over a bet dragged Barriss into their argument, leading to the fateful call that ultimately resulted in Andrew T. Finch’s death.
Barriss pretended to the police that he had shot his father, was holding his mother and sister hostage, and was contemplating setting everything on fire. He provided an address he received from one of the Call of Duty players, which led the police to Andrew T. Finch.
The caller at that time could only be prosecuted for manslaughter, leading to 2 to 11 years in prison. Under the new law, the penalties for further swatting callers would be significantly harsher.
Mother of the Deceased Hopes New Law Prevents Further Tragedies
The mother of the deceased, Lisa Finch, says: She is happy that the new law is named after her son. If it can prevent even one more tragedy like the one that happened to her family, that would be great.
We reported on the case back then:
