Russia and Iran prepare to stir up violent protests in US after election
Illustrative photo (getty images)
Russia and Iran may attempt to incite violent protests in the US following next month's presidential election. Russia will likely pursue this strategy regardless of who wins in the White House, according to AP.
In a memorandum released Tuesday, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence stated that both countries could support violent protests by either secretly organizing events themselves or encouraging participation in those planned by domestic groups. The objective would be to deepen divisions, cast doubt on election results, and complicate the transfer of presidential power.
According to a declassified national intelligence memo, Russian military intelligence attempted to recruit an American to organize protests in the US in January. The American was probably unaware of this and didn't know he was in contact with Russian agents, the memo noted.
Intelligence officials have indicated that the risk of one of America's adversaries provoking political violence after this year's election is heightened, as officials from both countries now have a better understanding of the complex process the US employs to validate election results.
Officials assert that Russia and Iran, along with China, aim to undermine American unity by spreading false claims about the election, voting, and pressing issues such as immigration, the economy, or the federal response to recent hurricanes.
According to an official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Russia is likely to attempt to provoke protests in the US regardless of who wins in the White House. However, if Kamala Harris wins, Russia’s response will be more aggressive.
