Federal agents executed a search warrant at Fulton County’s election hub near Atlanta on Jan. 28, seizing more than 650 boxes of 2020 election ballots and related materials.
The affidavit, unsealed Tuesday, led a judge to authorize the warrant. It claims the FBI is probing whether alleged “deficiencies or defects” in Fulton County’s 2020 vote count were intentional violations of federal law.
According to the affidavit, the investigation stems from a referral sent by Kurt Olsen, who previously played an integral role in former President Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 results in Georgia and other swing states.
Fulton County’s 2020 ballots had already been counted three separate times, with each count confirming the certified results. The affidavit’s claims rely on allegations that state officials have already investigated and found unsubstantiated, such as missing scanned ballot images—records that state law did not require at the time.
Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who resisted the 2020 challenges and is now a gubernatorial candidate, called the probe a waste of time and tax dollars, urging focus on “building a safer, more affordable future for all hardworking Georgians.”
David Becker, former Justice Department official and executive director of the Center for Election Information & Research, described the affidavit as “much weaker than I suspected,” suggesting it may only point to human error during the pandemic without affecting the election outcome.
The affidavit does not mention any foreign interference, yet Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was present at the raid. Gabbard later wrote to Democratic lawmakers defending her role in election‑security investigations and confirmed she facilitated a brief phone call for the President to thank the Atlanta‑area FBI agents, noting that Trump asked no questions and issued no directives.
Trump and his allies continue to press false claims of victory in the 2020 election, pursuing lawsuits to obtain unredacted voter rolls and urging Republicans to “nationalize” elections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who initiated the FBI’s investigation into Fulton County’s 2020 election?
The investigation originated from a referral sent by Kurt Olsen, the president‑appointed Director of Election Security and Integrity, according to the unsealed affidavit.
What does the affidavit claim the FBI is investigating?
The affidavit states the FBI is examining five alleged “deficiencies or defects” in the 2020 election and subsequent tabulation, questioning whether any were intentional violations of federal criminal law.
How have Georgia officials responded to the FBI’s search?
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger criticized the probe as a waste of resources, while former Justice Department official David Becker called the affidavit weak and suggested it points only to minor human error.
What do you think the broader implications of this investigation could be for election integrity and public trust?
