The Department of National Intelligence and FBI announced Wednesday night that Iran is responsible for threatening emails sent to Democrat voters this week in an attempt to influence the election.
The intelligence agencies added that Russia has also been obtaining voter registration information. No evidence of Russian interference in the 2020 election has yet been found.
Iranian and Russian officials denied the charges.
The emails claimed to be from far-right group the Proud Boys threatening to ‘come after’ Democrats if they did not vote for Trump.
Voter registration data “can be used by foreign actors to communicate false information to registered voters that they hope will cause confusion, sow chaos, and undermine your confidence in American democracy,” said Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe.
The emails demanded the voter change their voter registration to Republican as evidence of compliance.
“I would take this seriously if I were you,” the email stated.
Residents in key swing states like Arizona, Florida and Pennsylvania have reported receiving the email along with Alaska residents.
Iran also circulated a video in a further attempt to disrupt confidence in American democracy.
The video claimed to show how fraudulent ballots can be submitted from international locations.
“Do not allow these efforts to have their intended effect,” said Ratcliffe. “If you receive an intimidating or manipulated email in your inbox, don’t be alarmed and do not spread it. This is not a partisan issue.”
UN mission spokesman for Iran, Alireza Miryousefi, responded on Twitter saying “Unlike the U.S., Iran does not interfere in other country’s elections.”
