A newly unsealed affidavit indicates that a referral from Kurt Olsen, the Trump administration's Director of Election Security and Integrity, prompted an FBI raid on a Georgia election facility. On January 28, 2026, federal agents executed a search warrant at the Fulton County Election Hub and Operations Center to seize materials related to the 2020 election.

What happened during the raid?

Armed federal agents entered the warehouse to collect more than 600 boxes containing ballots and other election records. Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett described the scene as extraordinary, noting that agents arrived with "all of the equipment on their belts as if they were raiding a drug house."

Key details of the operation included:

  • Agents spent the entire day packing election records into boxes.
  • Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard arrived after nightfall.
  • The seized materials were loaded onto trucks and removed from the site.

Local officials reported they had no information regarding the current location of the seized ballots.

Why did the FBI target the facility?

The search was based on a warrant issued by a magistrate judge following allegations of election deficiencies. According to FBI Special Agent Hugh Raymond Evans, the investigation sought to determine if any failures to retain records constituted a violation of federal law.

The affidavit notes that while some allegations of impropriety in Fulton County were substantiated, many others had already been disproven. Olsen, who provided the initial referral, has a history of challenging election results and was previously sanctioned by a federal court for making false statements.

Impact on upcoming elections

These events come as the United States prepares for midterm elections. Legal experts and officials have expressed concern that such actions could erode public confidence in the voting process. Recent developments include:

  • The Department of Justice threatening to prosecute California officials over mail-in ballots.
  • Increased pressure on state and local officials regarding noncitizen voting claims.
  • Polling suggesting only half of Americans believe upcoming elections will be fair.

FAQ

Where are the seized Georgia ballots now?

Fulton County officials stated they do not know where the boxes were taken after they were loaded onto trucks.

Who is Kurt Olsen?

Olsen is a White House lawyer and the Director of Election Security and Integrity who has been involved in investigating election fraud claims since 2020.