Fulton County seeks return of 2020 election records seized by FBI
Fulton seeks return of seized election records
Fulton County officials are seeking to have 2020 elections records seized by the FBI returned to the county. The county is also asking a judge to unseal the warrant affidavit that allowed the seizure.
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - Fulton County has filed a motion in federal court seeking the return of documents related to the 2020 election that were seized by the FBI during a search last week at a warehouse near Atlanta, according to The Associated Press.
What's next:
County officials said the motion also asks a judge to unseal a sworn statement from a law enforcement agent that was used to obtain the search warrant. The filing itself has not been released publicly because the case remains under seal, according to county spokesperson Jessica Corbitt-Dominguez.
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The FBI search took place Jan. 28 at Fulton County’s main election facility in Union City and focused on records connected to the 2020 general election. A warrant cover sheet provided to the county lists items agents sought, including ballots, tabulator tapes, electronic ballot images and voter rolls.
What they're saying:
"The motion seeks the return of all files from the 2020 election that were confiscated by the FBI last week during the raid at our Fulton County Elections Hub. The motion also seeks the unsealing of the affidavit that was filed in support of the search warrant the FBI used to raid our warehouse," said Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts.
"I received a call on Monday before the raid that there would be arrests in Georgia: the Secretary of State; his deputy, Sterling—I believe his name is; me; and two or three others. That did not happen on Monday, and it didn't happen on Tuesday. But lo and behold, on Wednesday the FBI shows up. In addition to the FBI, when Tulsi Gabbard showed up—and we heard a rumor that she might be coming—I could not believe it."
Residents in Fulton County have expressed their displeasure with the federal raid.
"Those ballots belong to us, not to you and we want our ballots reviewed by somebody competent and capable," said Fulton County resident Marie Guadio.
What we don't know:
Authorities have not disclosed why the records were seized or whether any criminal charges are being considered. The FBI has not publicly commented on the search, and the contents of the sworn statement supporting the warrant remain sealed.
It is also unclear when or if the court will rule on Fulton County’s request to have the records returned or the affidavit unsealed.
SEE ALSO: Georgia Democrats blast Fulton County FBI raid as ‘abuse of power’
The backstory:
Fulton County, which votes overwhelmingly Democratic, has been a focal point of election scrutiny since the 2020 presidential election. Donald Trump and his allies have repeatedly alleged — without evidence — that widespread voter fraud occurred in the county.
Trump narrowly lost Georgia in the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden, a result that has been upheld through recounts, audits and court challenges.
What's next:
A federal judge will decide whether Fulton County’s motion is granted, including whether the seized materials are returned and whether the supporting affidavit is made public. Until then, the case remains under seal and details about the investigation are limited.
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