Warning Issued on Potential Election-Related Violence Amid Fraud Claims Ahead of 2024 Election

In a recent federal bulletin acquired by CBS News, it has been revealed that threat actors are anticipated to exploit claims of election fraud to incite election-related violence. The bulletin, released by the Department of Homeland Security, highlights that certain individuals are advocating for violence in response to alleged election fraud narratives, primarily targeting election officials and communities perceived as undermining the integrity of the upcoming 2024 general election.

Threats to Election Integrity

The Bulletin emphasizes the activities of domestic violent extremists in online forums, where threats of violence against election officials and infrastructure are prevalent, with the intention of preventing or retaliating against perceived fraud. Many of these online discussions promote baseless claims of election fraud against mail-in ballots and electronic voting machines. Furthermore, it has been noted that some individuals motivated by these narratives have expressed their intent to intimidate voters or election staff through surveillance of election infrastructure or personnel, including armed individuals.

Calls for Violence

The bulletin also draws attention to online users advocating for violence against local election officials in response to allegations of fraud, as well as promoting methods to sabotage ballot drop boxes. Additionally, it warns that the perception of election fraud among threat actors could be heightened by various factors, including a contested or close election, variations in state election laws and regulations affecting the release of results, unforeseen events causing delays in vote counting, or technological or administrative errors impacting vote counting processes.

Recent Incidents

The warning comes in light of recent incidents where ballot boxes have been set on fire in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, leading to the destruction of hundreds of ballots. Furthermore, a U.S. Postal Service mailbox was set on fire in Phoenix, Arizona, damaging a number of mail-in ballots. These incidents are currently under investigation.

Foreign Influence

Moreover, federal authorities have attributed certain disinformation efforts to foreign actors. It was reported that Russian entities had "manufactured and amplified" a video falsely depicting the destruction of mail-in ballots in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, as part of a broader strategy to undermine the integrity of the U.S. election and exacerbate divisions among Americans. This development underscores the need for heightened vigilance against both domestic and foreign threats to the electoral process.

Targeting of Political Figures

Furthermore, a joint intelligence bulletin issued earlier this month by the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI cautioned about the potential for domestic violent extremists with election-related grievances to target political candidates and elected officials leading up to the elections. This warning extends to potential threats of violence directed at a range of individuals associated with elections, persisting through at least the presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025.

Heightened Threat Environment

The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson reaffirmed the ongoing "heightened" threat environment in the U.S. Consequently, federal, state, and local partners are advised to remain vigilant against potential threats, and the public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.

Looking Ahead

As the nation gears up for the 2024 elections, the potential for election-related violence looms large, driven by disinformation, domestic extremism, and foreign interference. It is imperative for authorities to remain proactive in safeguarding the electoral process, ensuring the safety of individuals involved in the elections, and upholding the integrity of the democratic process. The warning serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead and the need for collective efforts to mitigate the risks associated with the upcoming elections.