Bomb Threats Linked to Russia Disrupt U.S. Election Day Voting
On November 5, 2024, false bomb threats attributed to Russian operations caused significant disruptions at polling stations across the United States, particularly in key states such as Georgia, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. The FBI reported that these threats, which were deemed non-credible, appeared to originate from Russian email domains. The threats resulted in temporary closures of polling places, particularly in Democratic-leaning areas, raising concerns about voter intimidation and election integrity.
Georgia's Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, confirmed that the source of the threats had been identified as Russia. In Fulton County, Atlanta, police reported 32 bomb threats, with 27 quickly dismissed as false alarms. However, five threats led to the temporary closure of polling stations, prompting local authorities to extend voting hours to accommodate affected voters. In DeKalb County, seven polling locations were similarly impacted, and officials took proactive measures to ensure that all citizens could exercise their right to vote despite the disruptions.
In Arizona, election officials reported four bomb threats targeting county offices, particularly in areas with significant Native American populations. Adrian Fontes, Arizona's Secretary of State, indicated that these threats were likely linked to foreign adversaries, specifically Russia. While no polling places were closed in Arizona, the threats contributed to an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty during the election.
In Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro noted that several bomb threats had been reported against polling places and government buildings, but none were found to be credible. Authorities emphasized the need for vigilance and called on the public to report any suspicious activity. The FBI and other agencies are actively monitoring the situation, with a national command post established in Washington to oversee threats throughout the election week.
