U.S. Attorney General Vows DOJ will ‘Vigorously Pursue’ Threats Against Election Personnel and Officials

Attorney General Merrick Garland highlighted the Department of Justice’s Election Threats Task Force in a meeting on Wednesday, underscoring the department’s focus on investigating threats directed at election workers ahead of the presidential election.

Joined by FBI Director Christopher Wray and other officials, Garland reaffirmed, “The Justice Department will steadfastly defend the rights of all Americans to peacefully express their views. However, violence will not be tolerated as a means to achieve political goals.”

Garland went on to explain, “The task force has been utilizing all available resources within the Justice Department to thoroughly investigate and prosecute those making threats against election workers, officials, and volunteers.”

The meeting followed the DOJ’s recent charges against two individuals and the seizure of several websites involved in an alleged foreign influence campaign reportedly orchestrated by Russia, according to CBS News. The Justice Department has raised alarms over foreign interference in the upcoming elections, with particular concern about Russia.

Earlier this year, an official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence warned that Russia is employing a comprehensive governmental strategy to influence the election, including the presidential race.