Attorney General Merrick B. Garland delivered remarks at the convening of the Election Threats Task Force, emphasizing the importance of addressing threats against election workers and public servants. "We launched the Election Threats Task Force to respond to a dangerous increase in violent threats against the public servants who administer our elections," he stated.
Garland highlighted that threats to election workers pose a threat to democracy itself. The task force's meeting aims to discuss ongoing efforts ahead of upcoming elections.
He also addressed a tragic shooting at a high school in Winder, Georgia, with FBI and ATF working on-site alongside state, local, and federal partners. "I am devastated for the families who have been affected by this terrible tragedy," Garland expressed.
Two major law enforcement actions were announced by Garland. An indictment was unsealed in the Southern District of New York against Konstantine Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, Russia-based employees of RT (formerly Russia Today), for conspiring to commit money laundering and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act. According to Garland, RT implemented a nearly $10 million scheme involving U.S.-based social media influencers to disseminate content favorable to the Russian government without disclosing its ties.
In another action, 32 internet domains used by Russian actors were seized for engaging in covert campaigns aimed at influencing U.S. elections. The domains included fake websites designed to look like major U.S. news sites but were filled with Russian propaganda.
Garland noted increasing Iranian activity during this election cycle aimed at compromising former President Trump's campaign and accessing individuals involved with presidential campaigns from both political parties.
"The Justice Department’s message is clear: we have no tolerance for attempts by authoritarian regimes to exploit our democratic system of government," said Garland.
The Attorney General provided examples of recent successful enforcement actions against those threatening election officials:
- In New Mexico, an unsuccessful candidate organized shootings targeting county commissioners and elected officials.
- In Arizona, a man was sentenced for sending bomb threats.
- A defendant in Maricopa County threatened mass shootings targeting poll workers.
- An Alabama man pleaded guilty after threatening Maricopa County election workers.
- A Michigan man received a 14-month sentence for death threats against an election worker.
- A Colorado man was charged for allegedly threatening election officials' lives.
Garland reiterated that those who threaten or harm election workers will be held accountable: "These cases are a warning: if you threaten to harm or kill an election worker or official or volunteer, the Justice Department will find you."
The task force has participated in numerous engagements since March and plans further activities leading up to Election Day. The FBI will host federal partners at its Headquarters command center during early November to address real-time issues related to elections.
"Protecting our democracy and protecting our elections was a founding purpose when the Justice Department was established in 1870," concluded Garland before inviting Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco to speak next.