During the recent House Intelligence Committee hearing, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed her office took custody of voting machines from Puerto Rico, stating the equipment is now being held inside a secure ODNI facility for forensic examination. The action followed a request tied to concerns over election system vulnerabilities after reported software issues in the territory.
The probe was conducted in coordination with the FBI and examined potential foreign interference, including claims involving Venezuela, though no clear evidence tied any specific country to the systems. Sources indicated the review uncovered signs of possible foreign involvement without identifying a responsible nation.
Rep. Jim Himes pressed Gabbard on the move, noting the committee was not notified when the machines were seized. Gabbard acknowledged the panel was not informed and said the effort was aimed at assessing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by foreign threats.
She confirmed the machines remain secured within ODNI facilities and said she is not aware of any similar instances involving voting equipment from other states or territories.
