Society back at it again, swats teen behind 'Damn Daniel' video

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Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Sadly, Internet fame can sometimes just mean a target on your back.

ABC7 reported that Joshua Holz, the teen behind the camera in the viral sensation "Damn, Daniel", and his family were the victims of an anonymous call that led to police bursting into their Riverside, California home.

[seealso slug=damn-daniel-ellen]

"A person called Riverside Police Department dispatch center and used some kind of a voice modification device and reported that he had shot his mother," Police Lt. Kevin Townsend told ABC.

Swatting is an unfortunate Internet phenomenon in its own right. The illegal pranks often target Twitch live streamers and the Internet famous.

"We believe and the family believes that since their video went viral, it's somehow connected," Townsend explained. "Ever since their video has gone out there, they've received a number of what they call strange phone calls and emails, and a lot of strange things happening so tonight was just another incident for their family."

The "Damn, Daniel" meme began with Holz filmed his friend and commenting on his shoes.

Damn Daniel pic.twitter.com/Va10hmpePO— josh (@josholzz) February 16, 2016

The police investigation is still ongoing.

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