FBI Seizes 2020 Election Ballots in Fulton County Raid

The Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant on January 28, 2026, at the Fulton County Elections Hub and Operations Center in Union City, Georgia. Agents seized approximately 700 boxes of 2020 general election materials, including physical ballots, tabulator tapes, voter rolls, and electronic images. The operation was led by Thomas Albus, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, and was attended by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey. Reports indicate President Donald Trump communicated directly with agents during the raid via Gabbard's phone.

An affidavit unsealed in February by U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee revealed the probe was prompted by a referral from Kurt Olsen, a Trump-appointed Director of Election Security and Integrity. The investigation examines whether deficiencies—such as missing ballot images and double-scanned ballots—were intentional criminal acts violating federal law. The FBI cited probable cause regarding the procurement of false votes and the failure to preserve records.

Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts and Democratic officials condemned the raid as a political stunt and a weaponization of law enforcement to undermine the 2020 results. Pitts filed a lawsuit to recover the materials, while the Democratic Party sought an emergency motion to block the review of seized records. Conversely, Republicans defended the action as a necessary step for accountability. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger dismissed the probe as a waste of tax dollars based on baseless and repackaged claims.