Jeff Metcalf, the father of slain Austin Metcalf, the 17-year-old whom Karmelo Anthony allegedly stabbed, revealed that he was swatted on Thursday, April 17. This comes after the tense and controversial press conference Anthony's family and spokesman held, which saw Jeff being removed from the building.
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According to Fox News Digital, the Frisco Police Department confirmed that Metcalf's home was swatted, a claim previously raised by Jeff Metcalf himself.
"I can confirm that last night our officers responded to a gunshot call in the 8000 block of Hickory Street involving the Metcalf family, which turned out to be swatting," the Frisco Police Department stated.
Fox 4 reports that this is not the first time that the Metcalf family has been swatted. Reportedly, a similar swatting incident took place on April 8. Swatting is an intimidation tactic where a caller usually reports a faux violent crime, prompting a police response, which sometimes involves a SWAT team; therefore, the name.
This initial swatting took place 6 days after Karmelo Anthony allegedly stabbed Austin Metcalf during a track meet following a fight. Anthony claimed self-defense, stating that Metcalf "put his hands" on him. Allegedly, Anthony admitted to the killing to the police.
Karmelo Anthony was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. His bond was set at $1 million, but was later reduced to $250,000. His family posted bond, and he was placed on house arrest. At this time, the controversial press conference was held. It was spearheaded by spokesman Dominique Alexander, head of Next Generation Action Network, an activist group.
Press Conference
The press conference became heated from the get-go. Jeff Metcalf was removed from the site, with Alexander criticizing the father.
"What we've seen at the beginning of this press conference," Alexander said. "The father being at this press conference. These are my words, don't quote anybody, is a disrespect to the dignity of his son."
"Next Generation Action Network from the beginning has respected the loss of life, no matter our opinion of it. We have kept our opinion close," Alexander continued. Furthermore, Dominique Alexander went on to say that they refrained from attacking Jeff Metcalf, choosing not to share information about his son to "respect the dignity of life and loss."
While talking with Fox News, Jeff Metcalf revealed his reasoning behind being present a the conference. Reportedly, Metcalf wanted to hear what the defense had to say and had no intention of making a statement.
"I want to clarify something right off to start because I've already heard some rumors and gossip. This was not a race thing. This is not a political thing," Metcalf told the outlet. "Do not politicize this. It's not. This is a human being thing. This person made a bad choice and affected both his family and my family forever."
