By Steve Neavling
The FBI issued a statement Saturday addressing misinformation circulating about the election and emphasizing its commitment to protecting voter security as Election Day nears.
“The FBI is aware of two videos falsely claiming to be from the FBI relating to election security, one stating the FBI has apprehended three linked groups committing ballot fraud and a second relating to the Second Gentleman,” the agency stated in a post on X. “These videos are not authentic, are not from the FBI, and the content they depict is false.”
With voters arriving at precincts, the FBI urged people to be vigilant against election-related fraud involving fake images and impersonations.
“Election integrity is among our highest priorities, and the FBI is working closely with state and local law enforcement partners to respond to election threats and protect our communities as Americans exercise their right to vote,” the statement read. “Attempts to deceive the public with false content about FBI operations undermines our democratic process and aims to erode trust in the electoral system.”
In Georgia, officials reported a recent incident of Russian interference involving a falsified video that depicted a Haitian immigrant casting multiple ballots. The state’s secretary of state responded by urging Elon Musk to remove the video, labeling it “disinformation.”
“This is false, and is an example of targeted disinformation we’ve seen this election. It is likely foreign interference attempting to sow discord and chaos on the eve of the election,” Raffensperger said in a statement on Thursday night.
Earlier this month, the FBI and CISA also reported that China was allegedly behind the hacking of the phones of former President Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio.
With Nov. 5 approaching, the bureau is advising voters to stay alert to possible misinformation schemes.
“The FBI encourages everyone to seek election and voting information from reliable sources, such as your local election office,” the agency wrote. “And if you suspect criminal activity, we ask that you report that information to state or local law enforcement or your local FBI field office.”
