U.S. intelligence agencies have flagged “domestic extremists” with grievances rooted in beliefs in voter fraud and animosity toward political opponents as the top potential threat to the upcoming election.
According to an internal Joint Intelligence Bulletin, agents from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security warned state and local law enforcement of risks posed by violent extremists seeking to disrupt the vote, potentially threatening security through Inauguration Day.
The report identified likely targets, including candidates, elected officials, election workers, journalists, and judges involved in election cases, with potential attacks at polling places, ballot drop boxes, registration sites, rallies, and campaign events.
This October report, obtained by Property of the People, a government transparency nonprofit, was one of several documents acquired through public records requests. Federal agencies regularly share such threat assessments with state and local law enforcement through formal bulletins, though historically, agencies have been cautious about issuing these assessments over concerns that they may infringe on free speech protections.
“The United States remains in a heightened, dynamic threat environment,” DHS spokesperson Mayra Rodriguez said in a statement. “Violence has no place in our politics, and DHS continues to work with our partners to evaluate and mitigate emerging threats that may arise from domestic or foreign actors.”
The report noted recent threats against election workers, including letters containing white powder, online harassment, and “swatting” attacks, often originating from areas where election results have been contested.
Election officials across the country are bolstering security in response. In Maricopa County, Arizona, officials plan to implement heightened measures on Election Day, deploying armed guards, drones, and police snipers.
Intelligence officials have also noted an uptick in extremist discussions about civil war, with some groups linking preparatory or violent actions to a so-called “election steal defense.” An October bulletin from Colorado’s threat assessment center highlighted concerns about “insider threats” from those with authorized access who may attempt to interfere with the election process, as well as ongoing dialogue on extremist forums disputing the legitimacy of the 2020 results.
The report additionally pointed to incidents of violence from groups such as white nationalists, and calls for violence on online message boards against election workers and undocumented immigrants.
