Atlanta, Georgia, February 4, 2026
Recently released body camera footage has unveiled the tense moments during the FBI’s execution of a search warrant at the Fulton County Elections Hub. The operation, which aimed to retrieve records from the 2020 general election, highlighted significant confusion among local officials regarding the warrant’s legitimacy and details. The FBI reportedly seized around 700 boxes of election-related materials, prompting Fulton County officials to initiate legal action against the federal government, asserting the need to challenge the legality of the operation.
Atlanta, Georgia
Newly released police body camera footage from January 28, 2026, has brought into sharp relief the moments of confusion and contention that unfolded as agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at the Fulton County Elections Hub and Operations Center, seeking records from the 2020 general election. The footage, surfacing over the past 48 hours, captures local officials grappling with the scope of the federal operation and questioning the details of the warrant presented by the FBI.
The events of that day saw FBI personnel arrive unannounced at the Union City facility, prepared to seize a significant volume of election materials. Local law enforcement officers and county attorneys expressed palpable confusion regarding the document authorizing the search, noting that the warrant was initially displayed on agents’ phones rather than provided as a physical hard copy. It was communicated by FBI agents that they were experiencing computer issues and were attempting to procure an updated warrant. The exchanges recorded suggest a tense environment, with an FBI agent reportedly asserting that the records would be taken “one way or another,” even if it required force. Concerns were also raised by Fulton County officials about the lack of advance notification and the absence of a clear chain-of-custody inventory for the seized items, making it difficult to verify their return later.
Details of the Search and Seizure
The federal operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 700 boxes of archived 2020 election ballots, along with voter rolls, voting machine tabulator tapes, and electronic election data. Three white trucks were utilized to transport these materials from the Fulton County Elections Hub. The search warrant cited alleged violations of two federal statutes: Title 52, United States Code, §§ 20701 and 20511. These sections pertain to the Civil Rights Act of 1960, which mandates the preservation of voter registration records and other voting-related documents for 22 months post-election, and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, which criminalizes voter intimidation, election interference, and voter registration fraud.
County’s Response and Broader Context
In the aftermath of the search, Fulton County officials have voiced strong criticism of the federal action. Fulton County Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington, Jr. indicated the county’s intention to file a motion in federal court in the Northern District of Georgia to challenge the legality of the warrant and the seizure of election records, also seeking the return of the ballots. This contemplated legal challenge underscores the gravity with which local authorities view the unprecedented federal intervention.
The FBI’s actions on January 28 are part of a longer narrative surrounding the 2020 presidential election in Fulton County, a period marked by persistent claims of widespread voter fraud by former President Donald Trump. Despite multiple recounts, audits, and judicial reviews consistently validating the county’s election results, these allegations have continued to resonate. Earlier in December 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice had filed a civil lawsuit against Fulton County, seeking access to 2020 election records, a request the county was actively contesting. This prior legal action, coupled with statements made by President Trump just weeks before the search hinting at impending election-related prosecutions, provides a layered backdrop to the recent events.
Notably, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was reported to be present during the FBI’s search, a detail confirmed by President Trump. This presence has contributed to the questions raised by election law experts regarding the broader implications of the raid, particularly concerning potential federal interference in election administration.
Adding another layer to the complex situation, Fulton County elections officials admitted in December 2025 that they had not properly signed tabulator tapes following the 2020 election, a procedural lapse in state regulations. While this admission pertains to a different aspect of election administration, it has been mentioned in discussions surrounding the overall scrutiny of the county’s election processes.
The release of the body camera footage, illuminating the immediate confusion and assertiveness of the federal agents, serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate and often delicate balance between federal authority and local governance. It calls for careful reflection on the processes by which such significant actions are undertaken, particularly when they touch upon the foundational elements of democratic practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary event that occurred in Fulton County, Georgia, recently?
Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at the Fulton County Elections Hub and Operations Center on January 28, 2026, seeking records from the 2020 general election.
What did the newly released body camera footage reveal about the FBI search?
The newly released police body camera footage revealed confusion and contention among local officials as FBI agents executed a search warrant at the Fulton County Elections Hub and Operations Center. Local officials questioned the scope of the operation and details of the warrant, which was initially displayed on agents’ phones.
What types of materials were seized by the FBI during the search?
The FBI seized approximately 700 boxes of archived 2020 election ballots, along with voter rolls, voting machine tabulator tapes, and electronic election data.
What federal statutes were cited in the search warrant?
The search warrant cited alleged violations of Title 52, United States Code, §§ 20701 and 20511, which pertain to the Civil Rights Act of 1960 and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, respectively.
What is Fulton County’s response to the FBI’s actions?
Fulton County Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington, Jr. stated the county’s intention to file a motion in federal court to challenge the legality of the warrant and the seizure of election records, and to seek the return of the ballots.
Was the Director of National Intelligence present during the FBI search?
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was reported to be present during the FBI’s search, a detail confirmed by President Trump.
Key Features of the Fulton County FBI Search
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Search | January 28, 2026 | State-level |
| Location | Fulton County Elections Hub and Operations Center, Union City, Georgia | State-level |
| Items Seized | Approximately 700 boxes of 2020 election ballots, voter rolls, tabulator tapes, electronic data | State-level |
| Legal Basis for Warrant | Alleged violations of 52 U.S.C. §§ 20701 (Civil Rights Act of 1960) and 20511 (National Voter Registration Act of 1993) | Nationwide |
| County’s Response | Intention to file a motion in federal court challenging the warrant and seeking ballot return | State-level |
| Key Revelation | Newly released body camera footage showing confusion and dispute during the execution of the search warrant | State-level |
| Previous DOJ Action | Department of Justice civil lawsuit against Fulton County in December 2025 seeking access to 2020 election records | State-level |
| Presence of DNI | Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed present during the search | Nationwide |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
