FBI seizes phone of Nevada’s top GOP official in probe into Trump’s ‘fake electors’ scheme
State GOP party chairman Michael McDonald also subpoenaed by Jan 6 committee
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The FBI has seized the phone of Nevada’s top Republican official as part of a probe into Donald Trump’s “fake electors” scheme.
Agents served a warrant to obtain the phone of state GOP party chairman Michael McDonald, according to 8NewsNow.
A second search warrant was also issued for state party secretary James DaGraffenreid, but law enforcement could not locate him on Wednesday, the news channel reported.
In December 2020, the Nevada Republican Party’s six electors signed paperwork in support of defeated Donald Trump and held a symbolic but legally non-binding ceremony that coincided with the official state-sanctioned event.
“Our brave electors standing up for what is right and casting their electoral votes for @realDonaldTrump,” the Nevada GOP tweeted alongside a picture of the group in Carson City on 14 December 14, 2020.
Joe Biden beat Donald Trump by more than two per cent in Nevada and received the state’s six electoral votes in the official ceremony, which was overseen by Republican Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske.
Ms Cegavske has previously said that there is no credible evidence of voter fraud in the state.
The state Republican Party then submitted the fake election documents to the secretary of state, Congress and the National Archives.
Similar documents were also sent from six other battleground states, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Federal agents also served subpoenas to Georgia GOP chairman David Shafer, according to The Washington Post.
The New York Times also reported that Shawn Flynn, a Trump campaign aide in Michigan, was also subpoenaed as part of the probe.
The “fake elector” scheme is currently under scrutiny from the House select committee investigation into the January 6 attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters.
Mr McDonald is among a dozen officials subpoenaed by the committee earlier this year over the scheme.
“We are seeking information about your role and participation in the purported slate of electors casting votes for Donald Trump and, to the extent relevant, your role in the events of January 6, 2021,” Rep. Bennie Thompson, the committee chairman, said in a letter seeking Mr McDonald’s testimony.
The Independent has reached out to the Nevada Republican Party for comment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments