FBI Warns of Russian Hoax Bomb Threats at US Polling Stations

On a tense Election Day in the United States, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a warning regarding bomb threats at polling stations across multiple states. These threats, while deemed not credible, were reported to have originated from Russian email domains. This alarming situation unfolded as voters participated in the 2024 presidential election, a campaign marked by heightened security measures due to concerns over civil unrest and potential violence.

In Georgia, authorities confirmed that hoax bomb threats had briefly disrupted voting activities. Georgia's Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, stated, "It was from Russia," when discussing the source of these threats. At least seven polling stations in Fulton County were affected, leading to temporary closures. However, South Fulton’s Mayor, Kobi, reassured voters that none of the polling places were closed for more than 30 minutes, emphasizing the resilience of the community. He remarked, "We are the descendants of, the sons and daughters of people who faced lynch mobs, water cannon... to exercise the right to vote. And so we aren’t going to let bomb threats turn us around."

As the race between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump intensified, authorities took extra precautions to ensure the safety of voters and poll workers. Panic buttons were provided to poll workers, special weapons teams were stationed on rooftops, and hundreds of National Guard personnel were placed on standby. The FBI established a national election command post in Washington to monitor threats around the clock during the election week.

In a related incident, the US Capitol Police arrested a man near the Capitol visitor center who was found with suspicious items, including a torch and a flare gun. This area had previously been the site of a violent riot on January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters attempted to overturn the election results. The visitor center was closed for tours as investigations continued.

These bomb threats are not the first instance of alleged Russian interference in US elections. Just hours before the polls opened, officials warned of disinformation campaigns linked to Russia, falsely claiming that attempts were being made to sway the election results in battleground states. Additionally, US intelligence officials recently attributed a fake video of a Haitian immigrant claiming to have voted multiple times to Russian sources.

The United States has previously imposed sanctions on Russian individuals and entities for their involvement in election interference during the 2016, 2018, and 2020 elections. As the nation grapples with these ongoing threats, it is crucial for voters to remain informed and vigilant. The integrity of the electoral process is paramount, and understanding the challenges posed by external influences is essential for safeguarding democracy.