'Foreign state actor' behind bomb threats that disrupted Georgia polling sites, Raffensperger says

Georgia election officials had to evacuate two polling locations outside of Atlanta on Election Day after a "foreign state actor" called in what were eventually deemed noncredible bomb threats, according to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. 

“We pretty well dispelled that very quickly," Raffensperger said at a press conference Tuesday morning. “But we want to make sure everything stays safe. … That was this morning, and law enforcement jumped right on that, and we knew it was coming from a foreign state actor.” 

Raffensperger has previously accused Russia of attempting to interfere in the state’s elections, including through the use of videos with disinformation about election integrity. 

The FBI said it is "aware of bomb threats to polling locations in several states, many of which originate from Russian email domains."

"None of the threats have been determined to be credible thus far," the FBI wrote in a statement. "Election integrity is among the FBI’s highest priorities. We will continue to work closely with our state and local law enforcement partners to respond to any threats to our elections and to protect our communities as Americans exercise their right to vote."

According to Fulton County officials, a set of five bomb threats were called in to law enforcement officials in the morning for two polling sites in Union City, leading to police evacuating the locations to sweep them. No credible threats were found. 

“Outside of these brief interruptions, Election Day has remained quiet. ... We remain ready and prepared to deal with any other potential disruptions,” a Fulton County election official said at a press conference.

The county is seeking a court order to extend polling hours for the two locations, Etris-Darnell Senior Center and C.H. Gullatt Elementary School, from 7 p.m. EST to 7:30 p.m. 

Raffensperger said Georgia is prepared to “quickly” deal with threats and that poll stations across the state remain safe despite the threats being called in.

“All the other counties just continued on with voting unimpeded,” he said. "It was about five to seven different precincts that were affected in one.” 

Georgia is a key swing state in this election and has been a target of Russian disinformation over the past month. Raffensperger previously blamed the Russians for a cyberattack on his department’s website Oct. 14. 

“The Fulton County Police Department has responded to multiple calls regarding threats at Fulton County Polling Places since polls opened this morning,” the department wrote on social media.

“Disruption of the voting process is a crime and individuals found to be making disruptive threats will face charges,” it added. “We want to assure voters that their safety is our highest priority. Voters will see officers at all 177 polling places today. Fulton County Police Department is also coordinating with each of the law enforcement agencies within Fulton County to prevent and swiftly respond to any incidents.”

The Hill has contacted the Department of Homeland Security and the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C., for comment. The Department of Defense declined to comment.

Brad Dress contributed.

Updated at 2:11 p.m. EST