WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – As millions of voters cast their ballots and candidates make their final pitches ahead of election day, U.S. officials are on high alert for foreign election interference from Russia, Iran and China.
It comes as intelligence agencies report Russia was behind the circulation of a fake video showing someone ripping up ballots in Pennsylvania.
The FBI says that’s “part of Moscow’s broader effort to raise unfounded questions about the integrity of the US election and stoke divisions among Americans.”
The FBI is also investigating a Chinese cellphone hack targeting former president Donald Trump and running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio.), as well as people associated with Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign.
“Any attempt to interfere in our election is something that the United States would take with the utmost seriousness,” State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said.
It’s unclear what data the hackers may have accessed, and officials believe the campaigns were among many other targets.
The FBI says it’s working to “strengthen cyber defenses.”
Senate Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner (D-Va.) says he expects efforts to interfere will ramp up after the election to raise doubts about the integrity of the vote.
“There is absolutely high expectation that Russia, China, Iran will try to interfere and spread dissension in those hours and days after the election day,” Sen. Warner said.
Earlier this year, the Trump campaign was targeted by Iranian hackers. The DOJ charged three people with the hack.
