The Harris-Walz campaign responded to reports that individuals tied to the Biden campaign were targeted by Iranian actors with emails containing stolen Trump campaign materials. The campaign stated that they do not have knowledge of any materials being sent directly to the Biden campaign, but some individuals received emails on their personal accounts that appeared to be spam or phishing attempts. The campaign condemned any foreign interference in U.S. elections and cooperated with law enforcement authorities since learning that individuals associated with the Biden campaign were among the intended victims of this foreign influence operation.
In a joint statement, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the FBI, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency revealed that Iranian malicious cyber actors had sent unsolicited emails containing stolen, non-public material from former President Trump’s campaign to individuals associated with President Biden’s campaign in late June and early July. They also stated that Iranian actors have continued to send stolen material associated with Trump’s campaign to U.S. media organizations. The statement raised concerns about Iran’s efforts to undermine confidence in the U.S. electoral process and exacerbate divisions in society. The FBI, as the lead for threat response, has been tracking this activity, contacting victims, and investigating to disrupt the threat actors responsible.
Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, suggested that the Iranian interference was aimed at helping Harris and Biden win the election, as they are perceived to be more lenient on Iran than Trump. Leavitt demanded that Harris and Biden disclose whether they have used any hacked material given to them by the Iranians to undermine Trump. A Harris campaign official assured that the material was not used. The statement from the ODNI, FBI, and CISA emphasized that foreign actors like Russia, Iran, and China are increasing their election influence activities as the November election approaches, exploiting moments of vulnerability to sow discord and exacerbate divisions in the U.S.
Federal authorities have reported thwarting Iranian assassination plots against U.S. politicians in recent months, with Trump, President Biden, and Nikki Haley being among the targets. A Pakistani man with ties to Iran was arraigned in Brooklyn federal court for allegedly paying undercover agents he believed were hitmen to carry out the assassinations this summer. While there were two assassination attempts against Trump within two months, in Pennsylvania and Florida, authorities have not publicly linked either plot to Iran. The continued foreign interference in U.S. elections, along with assassination plots against politicians, underscores the need for heightened vigilance and coordination among law enforcement agencies to protect the integrity of the electoral process and national security.
The escalating tensions and threats from foreign actors like Iran highlight the significance of safeguarding the U.S. electoral system from interference and manipulation. The FBI’s ongoing investigations into the Iranian cyber activity and assassination plots underscore the need for coordinated efforts to counter these threats and protect against foreign influence. The Harris-Walz campaign’s swift response and cooperation with law enforcement authorities demonstrate a commitment to upholding the integrity of the U.S. election process. As the election approaches, the need for vigilance and resilience against foreign interference remains paramount to safeguarding democratic institutions and national security.
