A streamer was shot and paralyzed from the waist down during a swatting incident that occurred a few weeks ago.

What we found

Supports. Wikipedia reports that in late July 2026 Axeel Melendez was shot in the hip and spine by Pima County Sheriff's deputies after a swatting-related call and was left paralyzed.[1]

Supports. EarlyGame reports that a Rust player was paralyzed during a police response to a swatting attack and is seeking $176 million from authorities.[2]

Supports. Dexerto reports that Melendez was paralyzed in a police response to a fake emergency call and warned police about being targeted with swatting beforehand.[3]

Supports. A Reddit thread comment describes him as a Rust streamer who was targeted with swatting threats, though this is a low-credibility user comment.[4]

Contradicts. EarlyGame states the 24-year-old was not a public creator and had no large following, which conflicts with the 'streamer' label in the claim.[2]

Context. The timing fits: the shooting was in late July 2026, roughly six to seven weeks before the September 13 post, consistent with 'a few weeks ago' loosely.[1][2]

Sources

4 sources: 4 not rated

1. 1Swatting - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org · not rated · cited for: supports, context
2. 2earlygame.com › news › entertainment$176 Million Lawsuit: Rust Player Left Paralyzed After ...earlygame.com · not rated · cited for: contradicts, supports, context
3. 3Man seeks $176M after being paralyzed in swatting he warned police aboutdexerto.com · not rated · cited for: supports
4. 4Tucson man files claim alleging deputies ignored swatting warnings before shooting left him paralyzedreddit.com · not rated · cited for: supports

Where this claim was made

Said in 1 published post

• Unsubscribe Podcast · Sep 13, 2026“I know that, uh, the streamer that just got, uhm swatted swatted Cody? Yeah, right. ... He just grabs a gun, and then they shoot, and he gets shot a few times, paralyzed from the waist down. When the f*** did this happen? Early a few weeks ago, I think.”Post →