WASHINGTON — The FBI executed a search warrant at the Fulton County Elections Hub on Wednesday, seeking records related to the 2020 election, according to county officials.
FBI Investigates 2020 Election Records in Fulton County
The FBI confirmed it conducted “court-authorized law enforcement activity” at the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center, but stated the investigation is ongoing and details are limited. Fulton County officials also confirmed the operation was underway as of Wednesday afternoon, declining to provide further information.
The search has prompted concern from some officials. State Senator Josh McLaurin, a Democrat representing Fulton County, described the search as “extremely alarming.”
This action follows repeated claims by former President Donald Trump that the 2020 election was “rigged.” Speaking last week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump stated that “people will soon be prosecuted for what they did.” Fulton County has been a particular focus of Trump’s scrutiny since his loss in Georgia.
Prior to the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, Trump pressured Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to “find 11,780 votes” – the number needed to overturn the state’s election results. He even questioned whether ballots had been shredded in Fulton County. Raffensperger’s office has not commented on the current FBI activity.
The FBI’s investigation also comes after a report by former Special Counsel Jack Smith detailed how Fulton County election workers received death threats following Trump’s false claims of election fraud.
The timing of the search also intersects with a previously dismissed state criminal case against Trump brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Willis was disqualified from the case due to conflict of interest allegations, and Trump is now seeking over $6.2 million in legal fees related to the investigation.
Furthermore, the investigation may revisit the harassment faced by election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, who were falsely accused of voter fraud and subjected to threats after being targeted by Trump allies, including Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani was recently ordered to pay $148 million in damages for defaming the two workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the FBI search?
The FBI executed a search warrant seeking records related to the 2020 election in Fulton County, though the specific focus of the investigation has not been disclosed.
What was Donald Trump’s role in the events surrounding the 2020 election in Georgia?
Donald Trump repeatedly claimed the 2020 election was “rigged” and pressured Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find votes to overturn the state’s results.
What happened to the criminal case brought by Fani Willis against Donald Trump?
The state criminal case against Trump brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was dismissed after she was disqualified from prosecuting it amid conflict of interest allegations.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what specific information the FBI seeks to uncover and what, if any, charges may result. Will this investigation lead to further scrutiny of individuals involved in challenging the 2020 election results, and what impact might that have on the political landscape?
