FBI provides tour of command post as they ramp up election security ahead of Election Day
Nov 04, 2024
Election Day will see some stepped-up security as the FBI said it would play a big role in keeping people safe as they head to the polls.
On Tuesday, the agency provided the media a tour of their command post in Miramar which will aim to keep people and the process safe from election crimes such as voter fraud and voter intimidation.
Inside the election command post, agents receive and investigate election crimes, allegations, and tips.
“That’s why this command post is here: to make sure that the election is fair and the civil rights of everyone in this country are protected for a free and fair election,” said FBI Miami Field Office Special Agent Ryan James. “Some of these crimes include ballot fraud, voter fraud, civil rights violation.”
7News cameras captured dozens of computers and TV screens that will be monitoring the incoming tips.
James also spoke about the agency’s role in election security.
“The FBI is the law enforcement agency that has primary jurisdiction over investigating all election-related crimes. Some of these crimes include ballot fraud, voter fraud, civil rights violations, campaign finance violations, threats to election workers, and cybersecurity attacks on our election infrastructure. So we would ask the general public if anybody has information on those types of crimes, to call 800-CALL-FBI or go to TIPS.FBI.GOV,” he said.
The FBI said 56 field offices, like the one in Miramar, have been set up across the country. They also said part of the election security plan is keeping crowds under control and safe after the election results come in.
Security will also be stepped up at the watch parties where the top candidates for president will be watching the vote tally come in.
“If you are thinking about or planning on coming to our great city to cause problems, don’t do it,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James. “I want the public to know that our West Palm Beach Police Department is ready.”
At the Palm Beach County Convention Center, where former President Donald Trump will hold his election watch party, law enforcement at all levels will be securing the area.
Plans are already in place to accommodate an overflow crowd outside of the convention center and a space for protesters to voice their opposition.
“All in all, we’re expecting a smooth evening and we’re prepared to do whatever we need to do,” said West Palm Beach Police Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
Thousands of miles away, in Washington D.C., where Vice President Kamala Harris will hold her election watch party, security plans are also in place to have a safe night as the results roll in.
Cellphone video shows fences being installed near Harris’ residence ahead of Election Day as a precaution. Across D.C., businesses began boarding up as it remains unclear how people will react to the outcome of the presidential election.