(The Situation Update Report [SUR] is a near real-time brief of a possible threat or situation being monitored by The Counter Threat Center. The information is accurate at the time of reporting, but may be subject to change.)
Meaghan Mackey, Favour Godwill
Alice Cian, Editor; Cameron Munoz, Senior Editor
November 5, 2024
Bomb Threat[1]
Current Situation: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced that they are tracking bomb threats to polling locations in multiple states throughout the US. These bomb threats were allegedly derived from Russian email domains, and none of the threats have been viable so far.[2]
Day/Time of event: November 5, 2024 / Around 1415 local time
What is the current threat:
Foreign interference in the US election process will very likely erode the validity of election results and reduce voter confidence. Election interference will very likely diminish the perception of the democratic process of free and fair elections and reduce civilian trust in government institutions and elected offices. Decreasing voter confidence in the electoral process will very likely deter civilians from voting in the current and future elections.
The potential for violence at polling locations will likely dissuade voters from going to voting centers across the country and cause intimidated voters who did not cast their votes to feel misrepresented by the election results. Increasing threats to polling centers and continuing security challenges preventing voters from physically casting their ballots will likely boost the perception of unfairness in the election results.
Increased threats throughout Election Day will likely cause local law enforcement agencies to struggle to identify actionable intelligence and credible threats. This will likely negatively impact federal and local law enforcement capabilities to prevent attacks and heighten insecurity among citizens.
Russian influence on the US electoral process will likely increase the tension between the two countries. This tension will likely break down communication lines, with a roughly even chance of American sanctions being imposed against Russia. Russian and American communication will likely deteriorate as Russia continues to interfere in the US electoral process.
Who will it directly impact:
American voters
Federal agencies
Local law enforcement agencies
US Presidential candidates
Polling locations security personnel
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[1] 31st Munitions Squadron build live MK82 bombs during Red Flag 24-1 [Image 2 of 12], by Staff Sgt. Heather Ley, licensed under Public Domain (The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.)
[2] @FBI, X, November 5, 2024, https://x.com/FBI/status/1853878975455494579?t=UTTBp_4a6eWMvNxsUDe2OA&s=19