The FBI issued a warning to voters regarding attempts at deception during the 2024 election, noting that the agency has been impersonated in fake videos in an effort to disrupt Americans’ confidence in the political process. In one case, a fabricated news clip falsely claimed that the FBI had recommended “voting remotely” due to a supposed terror threat at polling stations. Another video alleged that prison management in several states had rigged inmate voting and colluded with a political party. The FBI emphasized the importance of election integrity and stated that they are working with state and local law enforcement partners to address election threats.
The Department of Justice confirmed that Attorney General Merrick Garland would be receiving daily briefings on threats from the FBI and his law enforcement and national security teams. The FBI’s National Election Command Post would provide updates to Garland throughout the day. The warning from the FBI came after the agency and the Intelligence Community highlighted efforts by foreign adversaries, particularly Russia and Iran, to sow distrust in the electoral process. The IC observed foreign adversaries engaging in influence operations to undermine public confidence in U.S. elections and create divisions among Americans, with a focus on swing states.
The ODNI revealed that Russian entities have been creating videos and news stories to make Americans question the legitimacy of the election and portray Americans as resorting to violence over political differences. For example, a fabricated video alleged election fraud in Arizona involving fake overseas ballots and voter roll manipulation to favor Vice President Kamala Harris, a claim refuted by the Arizona secretary. The ODNI warned that these videos could incite violence against election officials. Additionally, the FBI, ODNI, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency reported that Iran had carried out malicious cyber activities targeting former President Trump’s campaign and seeking revenge against certain U.S. officials for the death of Qasem Soleimani.
The FBI emphasized that attempts to deceive the public with false information about FBI threat assessments and activities aim to undermine the democratic process and erode trust in the electoral system. The agency is committed to protecting election integrity and collaborating with law enforcement partners to address election threats. Foreign adversaries, particularly Russia and Iran, have been conducting influence operations to sow distrust in U.S. elections and intensify divisions among Americans, with a focus on swing states. Russian entities have manufactured videos and news stories to question the legitimacy of the election and depict Americans as resorting to violence over political differences.
Iran has engaged in malicious cyber activities targeting former President Trump’s campaign and seeking revenge against certain U.S. officials. The ODNI warned that fabricated videos created by foreign adversaries risk inciting violence and undermining public confidence in the electoral process. The FBI, ODNI, and other agencies are monitoring and addressing these threats to protect election integrity and combat attempts at deception. Attorney General Merrick Garland is receiving daily briefings on threats from the FBI and his national security teams, with updates provided throughout the day. The FBI is committed to safeguarding the electoral process and working to counter foreign influence operations aimed at undermining American democracy.
