FBI monitoring election threats ahead of Election Day
Nov 04, 2024
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - Election Day is Tuesday, and with millions of Americans casting their votes, the FBI is ramping up election security.
"This operation is going to run 24/7 for the national election week," FBI Deputy Assistant Director James Barnacle said.
Barnacle says the purpose of the command post is to ensure the FBI is ready to respond.
"The FBI's looking at all those threats that come in here in the command post. We're triaging that information," Barnacle said.
Barnacle says the command post is already taking action.
"So, we've had information coming into the FBI in the last few days. Some of it has been maybe state or local matters, and we're just making sure it gets to state local officials," Barnacle said.
Election interference is already popping up in the form of fake videos on social media.
"Russia, China, and Iran are seeking to influence U.S. government policy and politics for their benefit," Barnacle said.
Intelligence officials also warn that Russia and Iran could encourage violent protests in the U.S. following the election.
"Around the nation, approximately 60 national guardsmen from six states have been activated by their state governors and state active-duty status for elections support, with roughly another 600 guardsmen from 17 states on standby if needed," Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder said.
The nation's capital is gearing up with fences and businesses are boarding up, just in case.