FBI Expands 2020 Inquiry with Arizona Election Records Subpoena
Federal investigators have expanded their inquiry into the 2020 election by subpoenaing records related to the Arizona election. This development was announced by Warren Petersen, the President of the Arizona State Senate, who stated that he complied with the federal grand jury subpoena regarding the Arizona State Senate’s audit of Maricopa County.
FBI’s Inquiry into Arizona Election Records
The subpoena involves a controversial audit conducted by the Cyber Ninjas, a firm hired by the Republican-controlled state Senate. Petersen confirmed on X that the FBI now possesses these records, refuting claims of misinformation about the investigation. He stated, “Any other report is fake news.”
Background of the Audit
The Cyber Ninjas’ audit intended to reassess the ballots from the 2020 election, which resulted in President Joe Biden being declared the winner in Arizona. While ballots in Maricopa County were ultimately destroyed under state law, the contentious review led to public scrutiny and criticism.
- Audit Oversight: Warren Petersen and Karen Fann, the former state Senate president, oversaw the Cyber Ninjas’ efforts.
- Key Findings: The audit concluded that Biden had won, despite the conspiracy theories surrounding it.
- Response from Election Officials: The Maricopa County Elections Department stated they had not yet received a subpoena but would cooperate with federal requests.
Criticism of the Investigation
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes criticized the federal investigation, labeling it as the “weaponization of federal law enforcement.” Former Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett, who was involved with the audit, noted that he had retained materials from the audit but had not received a subpoena himself.
Funding for the Audit
The Cyber Ninjas’ audit was significantly funded by groups promoting claims of election fraud. Major contributors included:
- The America Project: $3.25 million
- Defending the Republic: $550,000
- Support from a group associated with Michael Flynn: nearly $1 million
Bennett remarked on the influence of financial backers who were pushing for a specific outcome from the audit efforts. According to reports, more than $5 million was invested by organizations advocating for fraudulent claims regarding the election.
Concluding Remarks
The FBI’s investigation into the Arizona election records signifies a critical moment in the ongoing disputes over the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election. With federal scrutiny now extending into Arizona’s electoral processes, the implications of this inquiry may have far-reaching effects. As developments continue, public interest remains focused on both the integrity of the election and the motivations behind these audits.
