Minnesota Charges James O'Keefe and Cam Higby with Felony Identity Theft

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty filed felony charges of unlawful voting and identity theft against conservative activists James O'Keefe and Cameron Higby on October 28. The charges follow an August 11 primary election incident at Pratt Elementary School in Minneapolis, where the pair attempted to expose vulnerabilities in Minnesota's voter vouching system.

Prosecutors allege O'Keefe and Higby used concealed cameras and disguises, including traditional Muslim attire and a burqa, to misrepresent their identities to election judges. The pair reportedly used the names of registered voters, including deceased individuals and someone who had already voted, to attempt registration. While Moriarty acknowledged that the men did not sign the required oaths or actually cast ballots, she stated that misrepresenting oneself at a polling place is unlawful and that such conduct will not be tolerated.

O'Keefe Media Group denied the allegations, asserting that the activists did not impersonate voters but were questioning workers to test the process. Higby maintained that he never violated any law and characterized the prosecution as an attempt to punish him for exposing election vulnerabilities. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon condemned the stunt, stating that the activists revealed their ignorance of election laws while putting themselves in legal jeopardy.