5 voting locations in Georgia receive bomb threats, voting suspended



There were bomb threats made at five voting locations in Georgia, according to local authorities. Because of the bomb threats, voting was suspended.

The official website of DeKalb County released a statement regarding the seven bomb threats, including seven made in five voting precincts on Election Day.

County officials said the suspension of voting was a 'precautionary measure for the safety of voters and poll workers.'

DeKalb County officials listed the following precincts as having received bomb threats:

  • New Bethel AME Church, 8350 Rockbridge Road, Lithonia
  • New Life Community Center, 3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur
  • North DeKalb Senior Center, 3393 Malone Drive, Chamblee
  • Reid H. Cofer Library, 5234 Lavista Road, Tucker
  • Wesley Chapel Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur

County officials noted that two other locations received bomb threats: the Salem Panola Library at 5137 Salem Road in Lithonia and the Old Sam's Club in Stonecrest — which is not an active polling location.

The DeKalb County Police Department conducted bomb sweeps at the locations.

Voting was suspended at the locations targeted by the multiple bomb threats.

“Rest assured that we are working quickly to ensure every voter will have an opportunity to cast their ballot despite these bomb threats,” said DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections Executive Director Keisha Smith. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are suspending voting at these polling locations until we have clearance from DeKalb Police to reopen the facilities.”

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond added, "Every asset that we have will be deployed to ensure that every citizen who wants to vote will be given that opportunity and every vote cast will be counted."

County officials said the suspension of voting was a "precautionary measure for the safety of voters and poll workers."

DeKalb County officials stated, "Once each location is cleared, voters will be able to re-enter the facility and cast their ballots."

County officials noted, "The DeKalb County Law Department is in the process of seeking an emergency order extending the voting times at the affected polling locations."

On Tuesday, the FBI said there had been fake "Russian bomb threats" made to polling places in the swing states of Georgia, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

"The FBI is aware of bomb threats to polling locations in several states, many of which appear to originate from Russian email domains," the FBI said in a press release, according to the Daily Mail.

The FBI noted that none of the threats have been "determined to be credible thus far."

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said earlier on Tuesday, "Georgia is not going to be intimidated. Russia just decided they picked on the wrong Georgia. They need to pick on the other one in the Black Sea because we’re no going to be intimidated, but we’re just excited about where we are right now."

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Georgia GOP Leaders Are Outraged After Dem-Led Counties Abruptly Extend Ballot Drop-Off Deadline

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://thefederalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-02-at-11.36.09 PM-1200x675.png crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//thefederalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-02-at-11.36.09%5Cu202fPM-1200x675.png%22%7D" expand=1]'What happened between 8:00 a.m. [and] 1:00 p.m. is unknown because we were not given advance notice,' said DeKalb County GOP Chairwoman Marci McCarthy.

Dem-heavy counties in Georgia engage in election shenanigans over weekend, prompting RNC lawsuit



Blue counties in and around Atlanta, Georgia, are apparently engaging in some election shenanigans this weekend that may run afoul of state law, prompting the RNC to file yet another election integrity lawsuit.

According to a Saturday morning X post from RNC chairman Michael Whatley, Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett Counties will permit voters to drop off absentee ballots at designated polling locations this weekend. Whatley added that extending hours for ballot drop-offs "disregards the law."

'The Secretary of State has issued guidance to allow Republican poll watchers in but local officials REFUSE.'

Indeed, Georgia Code § 21-2-385, passed during the 2023-2024 legislative session, says that early voting in Georgia will begin "on the fourth Monday immediately prior to each primary or election" and "end on the Friday immediately prior to each primary, election, or runoff" (emphasis added).

In 2024, that end point should have been November 1.

Furthermore, Ga. Code § 21-2-382 adds that "all drop boxes shall be closed when the advance voting period ends."

Nevertheless, a report from local PBS and NPR affiliate WABE confirmed that "metro Atlanta residents who live in Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb or Gwinnett counties can drop off their absentee ballots over the weekend and on Monday, Nov. 4, the day before Election Day, at their local election offices."

What's worse, there initially may not have been official oversight of some of these drop-off locations. A photo of an email apparently written by Kathryn Glenn, the registration manager of the Department of Registration & Elections in Fulton County, and apparently sent to dozens of office employees indicates that no poll watchers had been authorized.

"FYI - There are NO WATCHERS approved for ballot drop off! Do not let them in the building," Glenn wrote, according to the photo.

"If they want to observe from the parking lot, you can't stop that," her email apparently continued, "but they are not allowed to sit in the building. Have your security detail enforce it!!!"

As a result, the RNC has already filed a lawsuit, Whatley claimed. As of Saturday afternoon, it remains "pending," he said.

Josh McKoon, the leader of the Georgia Republican Party and a former state senator, called these latest moves from Democrat-area election officials a "blatant violation" of Georgian election law.

"We all know what is going on — Democrats are panicked by the incredible Republican turnout in early voting and will do anything to try to catch up even if it means doing it under the cover of darkness and stiff arming any independent observation of whatever the hell is going on in their four 'special voting locations' open today with no notice or approval by anyone authorized to oversee elections administration," McKoon tweeted on Saturday morning.

McKoon tweeted Saturday afternoon that poll watchers had finally been permitted on the premises.

"Fulton County and other counties are now allowing our poll watchers to observe the voting activity occurring" on Saturday, he wrote.

He attributed the change to a pressure campaign from Republican leaders at the state and national levels.

"While we should not have to alert the public to have Georgia law enforced, I am pleased that lawful observation is now occurring."

Blaze News reached out to Kathryn Glenn and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) for comment but did not receive a response.

This is a developing story. Check back with Blaze News for further updates.

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Officers won't face charges for shooting anti-'Cop City' militant who shot Georgia state trooper in the gut



Police encountered a leftist militant earlier this year who had taken a forward operating position near the future Atlanta Public Safety Training Center in DeKalb County's South River Forest, which radicals have dubbed "Cop City." Rather than comply with officers' lawful orders, the militant opened fire, striking a Georgia state trooper in the gut.

For crossing the blue line, 26-year-old Manuel Esteban Paez Teran paid the price.

On Friday, the special prosecutor tasked with investigating the shooting indicated that no criminal charges will be brought against the Georgia State Patrol troopers involved in the Venezuelan's demise.

The shooting

Leftist groups have long campaigned against the construction of the new $90 million police training center in Dekalb County's South River Forest, employing terroristic tactics to get their way.

Militants have conducted firebombings on police officers and law enforcement offices; attacks on firefighters and medics; sabotage on construction equipment; and intimidation efforts at the home of at least one state trooper.

In response this violent campaign, multiple law enforcement agencies executed a joint operation on Jan. 18 near the future training center in order to "identify people who are trespassing and committing other crimes on the property," according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

In his 31-page report released Friday, Mountain Circuit District Attorney Pro Tempore George R. Christian noted the operation comprised two teams, the second of which included GSP SWAT team members, GBI special agents, Atlanta Police Department officers, and K-9 units.

This second team, assigned to an area known as RC Park, cleared a barricade and entered a wooded area, where they removed three individuals without incident. After dealing with the initial group of trespassers, officers encountered Teran.

Teran, a radical who used "they/it" pronouns, was in his tent with the flap closed when troopers arrived. The troopers present at the time of the shooting were Mark Lamb, Jonathan Salcedo, Bryland Myers, Ronaldo Kegel, Royce Zah, and Jerry Parrish.

According to the prosecutor, the troopers clearly identified themselves as members of law enforcement — a fact also clear from the unmistakable markings on their uniforms. Teran reportedly refused to leave, prompting troopers to use nonlethal pepper ball rounds.

In response to the nonlethal rounds, "Teran began firing from inside the tent at the Troopers," wrote Christian.

It appears from the report that Teran fired at least four shots. One of those bullets struck Parrish "in the body below his armor plate and above his belt on his right side" and ended up "lodged adjacent to his spine."

Having been forewarned of possible improvised explosive devices in the area, hearing the gunshots, and figuring at least one of their fellow officers for wounded or worse, the troopers — including Parrish — returned fire. They managed to hit Teran at least 57 times.

Investigators found a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm, 90 rounds of handgun ammunition, foreign currency, a Venezuelan passport, an Industrial Workers of the World membership card, a Florida driver's license, and a Panamanian ID card in Teran's tent.

The reaction

In the aftermath of the shooting, leftist groups called for retaliation.

TheBlaze previously reported that in one post on the website "Scenes from the Atlanta Forest," leftists noted, "An unnamed forest defender has been shot and killed in Weelaunee. Consider this a call for reciprocal violence to be done to the police and their allies. On Friday, January 20th, wherever you are, you are invited to participate in a night of rage in order to honor the memory of our fallen comrade. ... Make them pay."

Various radicals took to the streets in the days that followed, including Jared Dowell, the son of House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.).

A nonprofit founded by twice-failed gubernatorial candidate and election denier Stacey Abrams sided with the extremists, demanding "justice" for Teran, who went by "Tortuguita."

According to the special prosecutor, justice had already been served on Jan. 18.

Justified

Christian wrote that in light of "the severity of the crimes of Aggravated Assault, Felony Obstruction and Hindering, Attempted Murder, and Possession of a Firearm During commission of these crimes that were committed by Teran, Teran was an immediate threat to Lamb and his fellow Troopers."

"Looking at the totality of the circumstances, the use of lethal (deadly) force was objectively reasonable and Trooper Lamb did not act with any criminal intent," added Christian.

The prosecutor reached the same conclusion for all other troopers involved, indicating no criminal charges will be brought against them as they "did not commit any criminal offense."

Unhappy leftists

Reuters reported that Brian Spears, an attorney for Teran's family, said that the family is disappointed by Christian's decision, urging officials to release the full report.

"Release the file now. No more excuses," said Joel Paez, Teran's father, reported WSB-TV.

The GBI indicated in a statement that requests for records in this case will be denied until that time the criminal investigation and prosecution by the state of Georgia and Attorney General's Office are no longer pending.

Teran's mother responded to the results of the investigation, saying, "No matter how the case is resolved, nothing will bring Manuel back. ... For me, justice would be for people to follow Manuel's example," reported the Guardian.

The Vote to Stop Cop City campaign issued a statement on X, saying, "The state's response to Tortuguita's murder has been to lie and cover up the facts. Today's announcement is just the latest in a long line of changing stories and withholding evidence. Tortuguita's memory and the memories of all those stolen by police killings demand that we all continue the collective struggle for a future without state violence. In their name, we fight to Stop Cop City."

Defend the Atlanta Forest wrote, "Justice doesnt [sic] come from the courts; it comes from our dedication to fight for liberation through hardships. We honor the dead by refusing to give up."

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Georgia's Republican AG announces indictment of 61 leftists under the RICO statute used just weeks ago against Trump



In a controversial move, Democratic Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis charged former President Donald Trump last month under Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. It appears Willis, the proud daughter of a top Black Panther, may have unwittingly opened Pandora's box as it pertains to the acceptability of lawfare in the state — to the detriment of her fellow leftists.

Georgia's Republican attorney general made clear Tuesday that the gloves are now off, indicting 61 radicals under the same statute.

Now with the shoe on the other foot, leftists are decrying the RICO charges, calling them "anti-democratic," reported the Associated Press.

What's the background?

Leftist militants have long campaigned against the construction of the new $90 million police training center in Dekalb County's South River Forest, employing terroristic tactics to get their way.

Gov. Brian Kemp (R) noted earlier this year that "domestic terrorism will NOT be tolerated in this state. ... We will not rest until those who use violence and intimidation for an extremist end are brought to justice."

In January, Attorney General Chris Carr put the extremists — who have enjoyed support from Democrat-affiliated entities and other liberal outfits — on notice, stressing, "We are not Oregon. We are not California. We are not Washington. You cannot come to our state, break our laws, throw rocks at buildings, damage property, and shoot police officers. You can and you will be charged, and that's exactly what we're doing."

In the months since, dozens of radicals including a Southern Poverty Law Center attorney have been charged in connection to the so-called "Stop Cop City" movement.

Three dozen have been slapped with domestic terrorism charges. Three have been hit with felony intimidation charges for reportedly distributing flyers accusing a state trooper of being a "murderer" for killing a violent extremist. Three radicals involved with the Atlanta Solidarity Fund were charged in May with charities fraud and money laundering.

While some of these charges might ultimately stick, it appears that Carr is not taking anything for granted. Besides, now if convicted under RICO, the extremists' sentences could be greatly compounded.

Accountability

Carr came through Tuesday with a sweeping indictment, slapping 61 extremists in Fulton County with racketeering charges.

All of those indicted are members of Defend the Atlanta Forest, which Carr's office characterized in a statement as an "anarchist, anti-police, and anti-business extremist organization."

Carr said in press conference concerning the charges, "As the indictment asserts, members of Defend the Atlanta Forest subscribe to a philosophy of anarchy. They hold a core belief that society should abolish police, government, and private business, and as further alleged, they're willing to bring about such changes 'by any means necessary,'" reported the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Georgia attorney general's office indicated the 61 defendants "are alleged to have conspired together to prevent the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center by conducting, coordinating, and organizing acts of violence, intimidation, and property destruction in Fulton County, elsewhere in the State of Georgia, and other states."

Forty-three of the defendants were previously charged with domestic terrorism.

Of the 61 suspects indicted, only 13 are from Georgia.

— (@)

"As this indictment shows, looking the other way when violence occurs is not an option in Georgia," said Carr.

"If you come to our state and shoot a police officer, throw Molotov cocktails at law enforcement, set fire to police vehicles, damage construction equipment, vandalize private homes and businesses, and terrorize their occupants, you can and will be held accountable," Carr continued. "We will not waver when it comes to keeping people safe, enforcing the rule of law, and ensuring those who engage in criminal activity are vigorously pursued and aggressively prosecuted."

Among the 225 incidents identified in the indictments, one was the "Night of Rage" planned for Jan. 21, 2023, in the aftermath of a police-involved shooting. An extremist had shot a Georgia State Patrol trooper in the gut, but that's not what enraged leftists. Instead, the anti-police radicals took issue with law enforcement officers subsequently putting the leftist gunman in the ground.

TheBlaze previously reported that the son of House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), not among those named in the indictment, got a slap on the wrists for participating in the so-called night of rage. Police indicated Jared Dowell not only assaulted an officer but vandalized a Boston monument, writing, "NO COP CITY" and "ACAB."

Other incidents accounted for in the indictment include: firebombings on police officers and law enforcement offices; attacks on firefighters and medics; sabotage on construction equipment; and intimidation efforts at the home of at least one state trooper.

Greg Bluestein of the Journal-Constitution confirmed that the Fulton County grand jury used to indict Trump and his co-defendants was the same that handed up the indictments against the 61 leftists.

The case has been assigned to Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Esmond Adams.

Outrage

The Cop City Vote Coalition, a radical outfit dedicated to preventing the construction of the police training center, called the charges "authoritarian" and "anti-democratic," suggesting in a statement, "These charges, like the previous repressive prosecutions by the State of Georgia, seek to intimidate protestors, legal observers, and bail funds alike, and send the chilling message that any dissent to Cop City will be punished with the full power and violence of the government."

The ACLU called the indictments "unprecedented and extremely concerning," adding that the organization is "tracking the situation closely."

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