FBI Seizes Georgia Ballots Based on Debunked Allegations: NPR
The FBI’s recent investigation into the 2020 election in Fulton County, Georgia, has drawn significant attention. This inquiry was initiated by Kurt Olsen, an attorney who worked for the Trump administration. Olsen played a critical role in attempts to challenge the election results in Georgia and other battleground states.
Search Warrant Execution
On January 28, the FBI executed a search warrant at the Fulton County elections hub, located near Atlanta. The operation led to the seizure of over 650 boxes of ballots and additional materials related to the 2020 election. This warrant was approved after an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Hugh Raymond Evans was unsealed.
Debunked Allegations
The affidavit cited various allegations regarding the election, many of which have been thoroughly debunked by state officials. Claims included missing scanned images of ballots, despite state law not requiring counties to retain them as records. Fulton County’s ballots had been counted three times, with consistent results each time.
Criticism of the Investigation
Georgia’s Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, criticized the federal investigation. He stated, “As Secretary of State, I’ve made Georgia the safest and most secure place to vote.” Raffensperger, who is now running for governor, suggested that resources would be better spent on improving future electoral processes rather than revisiting unfounded allegations.
Expert Opinions
Former Justice Department official David Becker shared skepticism about the strength of the affidavit. He remarked that after years of legal challenges and investigations, the claims appear weak. Becker noted that the allegations seemed to point to human error during a chaotic time rather than any substantial irregularity.
Continued Focus on Election Security
The affidavit did not address any potential foreign interference in the election, which raises concerns about broader implications for election security. Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, was present during the FBI raid and later defended her role in overseeing election integrity measures. Gabbard facilitated a phone call for Trump to express gratitude to the FBI agents, although she stated that no directives were issued during the conversation.
Conclusion
The FBI’s investigation into Georgia’s election raises numerous questions about the motives and credibility of the claims involved. As scrutiny continues, attention will be directed toward ensuring the integrity of future elections across the United States.
