FBI Executes Search Warrant at Fulton County Elections Office
- Rex Ballard
- Jan 29
- 3 min read
Federal agents executed a search warrant at the Fulton County Election Hub and Operations Center in Georgia, seizing records related to the 2020 presidential election amid ongoing disputes over the results.
Details of the Warrant and Seized Items
The search warrant, signed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Catherine Salinas on January 28, 2026, authorized FBI agents to seize all physical ballots from the 2020 general election, tabulator tapes, ballot images, voter rolls, and related digital data. It cited potential violations of federal election laws under Title 52 of the U.S. Code, sections 20701 and 20511, which govern the preservation of election records and prohibit fraudulent voting activities. Agents removed over 700 boxes of materials, completing the operation by evening without providing an immediate inventory to county officials. Fulton County officials expressed concerns about the lack of tracking for the seized items, questioning their chain of custody.
DNI Gabbard's Presence at the Site
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was present during the raid, observed speaking on a phone near vehicles loaded with seized boxes. A senior administration official explained her involvement, stating, "Director Gabbard has a pivotal role in election security and protecting the integrity of our elections against interference, including operations targeting voting systems, databases, and election infrastructure." Her presence has raised questions about potential foreign intelligence connections or the politicization of the probe, as DNI's role typically focuses on foreign threats rather than domestic law enforcement.
Reactions from Georgia Officials
Fulton County leaders held a press conference to denounce the raid as an act of intimidation and distraction. Commission Chairman Robb Pitts urged President Trump to "stay the h*ll out" of Fulton County, affirming that audits, recounts, and court rulings confirmed the election's fairness. Officials emphasized compliance with the warrant while defending the county's election integrity, but raised alarms over the security of the ballots post-seizure. State Rep. Saira Draper called it "an assault on our democracy," targeting a Democratic stronghold.
Democratic Politicians' Reactions
Democrats widely condemned the action as an abuse of federal power to meddle in elections. Sen. Jon Ossoff described it as a "sore loser's crusade," linking it to Trump's past efforts to overturn Georgia's results. Sen. Raphael Warnock stated the FBI should focus on violent crimes, not "political errands for a vengeful President." Rep. Nikema Williams demanded the investigation end, warning of voter intimidation. Voting advocates called it a "five alarm fire for democracy," part of efforts to control swing districts.
Republican Politicians' Reactions
Republicans praised the raid as a step toward accountability. Georgia GOP Chair Josh McKoon called it "long overdue," citing alleged irregularities. Rep. Buddy Carter said Georgians would get "long-overdue answers," referencing claims of improper ballots. Supporters highlighted admitted issues, such as 315,000 potentially improper ballots from prior testimony. The event aligns with broader Justice Department actions under the administration.
Sources:
FBI's Search of Georgia Election Center Is “Dangerous,” Experts Warn - ProPublica: Link
FBI searches Georgia county election hub in connection with... - NBC News: Link
FBI searches Fulton County elections office as it investigates alleged... - CNN: Link
State Election Board Refers Fulton Absentee Mishandling Case to... - Georgia Secretary of State: Link
FBI searches Fulton County elections office seeking 2020 ballots... - CBS News: Link
Trump administration sues Georgia county for 2020 ballot records - BBC: Link
FBI raids Fulton County elections warehouse seeking 2020 ballots - The Current GA: Link
Justice department allegedly investigating debunked 2020 Georgia... - The Guardian: Link
Fulton County, Georgia's Trump Investigation (PDF Report) - Brookings Institution: Link
