US Presidential Elections: Hoax Bomb Threats in Battleground States Linked to Russia, Says FBI

Washington: FBI reported that bomb threats received at various polling locations in Georgia on Election Day appear to be linked to Russian email domains, raising concerns over foreign interference as voting continued.

“Hoax bomb threats, many of which appeared to originate from Russian email domains, were directed on Tuesday at polling locations in four battleground states - Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, and Wisconsin - as Election Day voting was underway,” FBI said.

In Georgia, at least two polling sites in Fulton County were briefly evacuated due to threats. Both locations reopened after about 30 minutes, and officials are w seeking a court order to extend voting hours past 7 p.m. deadline to make up for disruption.

Georgia’s Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, blamed Russia for trying to disrupt election process. "y’re up to mischief, it seems. y don’t want us to have a smooth, fair, and accurate election, and if y can get us to fight among ourselves, y can count that as a victory," Raffensperger said.

Russia Denies Claims 

Russian embassy in Washington dismissed accusations, calling m “malicious slander.” "Russia has t interfered and does t interfere in internal affairs of or countries, including United States," embassy stated, adding that President Vladimir Putin respects American people’s choices.

(With Inputs from Reuters)