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Fulton County files motion for FBI to return election files
Fulton County Board of Commissioners' Chairman Robb Pitts announced the filing of a motion for the FBI to return election files taken in a January raid of Fulton County's Elections Office hub in Fairburn. Georgia Democrats led by Saira Draper spoke out against the raid in a fiery press conference regarding the matter.
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.
PREVIOUS STORY: State Democrats planning to file motion after FBI Fulton County raid
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 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.
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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- FBI agents spend hours searching Fulton County election facility
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