FBI Raids Fulton County Elections Hub, Seizes 700 Boxes of 2020 Ballots

FBI agents executed a search warrant at the Fulton County Elections and Operations Hub in Union City, Georgia, seizing approximately 700 boxes containing physical ballots, ballot images, tabulator tapes, and voter rolls from the 2020 presidential election. The warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Catherine M. Salinas, cited possible violations of federal statutes requiring election record retention and prohibiting voter intimidation or procurement of false votes. FBI Director Kash Patel stated a federal judge found probable cause for the search, though the supporting affidavit remains sealed. This is the first time in U.S. history that the FBI has seized original election ballots in connection with a criminal investigation. The raid came five years after Trump lost Georgia by 11,779 votes - a result confirmed by two recounts and multiple court rulings. Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. announced the county would file a lawsuit challenging the legality of the warrant and seeking return of the ballots. The warrant was notably signed by a U.S. attorney from the Eastern District of Missouri rather than the Northern District of Georgia where Fulton County is located.