The FBI has set up an election command post in Washington, DC, to oversee and address election-related threats leading up to and following the election, in collaboration with state, local, and federal partners. The command post is currently operational with 80 personnel per shift from various agencies, working around the clock as election results unfold.
During a recent briefing, James Barnacle, deputy assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, emphasized that the office's primary focus is not to restrict free speech or surveil social media. Instead, the team will take action when threatening information violates federal laws.
Barnacle noted a slight uptick in reported threats compared to previous elections, attributing this increase to heightened public awareness and willingness to report information to the FBI. The threats encompass a range of concerns, including those targeting election workers, cyber threats, and foreign interference campaigns from countries like Russia, China, and Iran.
According to Barnacle, these foreign actors aim to undermine democracy, sow discord, and diminish the United States' global reputation. The command post serves as a hub for experts and law enforcement partners to swiftly share threat-related information with field officers.
Additionally, FBI offices nationwide are operating their own command posts this week, coordinating closely with the central command post in Washington, DC. This coordinated effort aims to enhance the agency's ability to respond effectively to any emerging threats during this critical period.
