The FBI warns that fake videos featuring his name and insignia are spreading election misinformation

The Federal Bureau of Investigation said Tuesday it was aware that his name and insignia were used in two cases to spread misinformation surrounding the FBI 2024 presidential election.

The videos were among a series of fake clips impersonating news organizations and officials that were shared online Monday. They spread false information about security threats and election integrity while tens of millions of Americans went to the polls. Researchers say the videos were likely created by a Russian disinformation group.

Two videos that appeared to have been released by the FBI made false claims of voter fraud, alleging that management at five prisons in Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona rigged inmate voting and colluded with a political party. The videos are not authentic and their content is false, the FBI said.

More made-up videos have been shared in recent days. A fake video made to look like a CBS News report falsely said the FBI was advising people to “vote remotely” because of a possible terrorist attack. No such warning was issued by U.S. officials, nor was there a corresponding report by CBS News. The account that posted the video on the social media platform X was blocked on Monday afternoon.

“This video is not authentic and does not accurately represent the current threat situation or the security of the polling location,” the FBI said in a statement on Tuesday.

Another video was made to look like it was produced by Fox News.

The videos were likely created by the same Russian disinformation group that released two other videos manufactured FBI videos have been released in recent days, according to Antibot4Navalny, a research collective that tracks Russian disinformation online.

The group has a history of impersonating international news outlets and U.S. government agencies. Many of their posts contain QR codes that link to reputable news outlets to make the posts appear authentic. The group posted something similar false claims about threats before the Olympics.

“Election integrity is among our highest priorities, and the FBI is working closely with state and local law enforcement partners to respond to election threats and protect our communities while Americans exercise their right to vote,” the FBI said Tuesday. “Attempts to deceive the public with false content about FBI threat assessments and activities are aimed at undermining our democratic process and undermining trust in the electoral system.”