Report: DNC Told FBI Its Headquarters May Have Been Bugged

Two ‘sophisticated adversaries’ linked to the Russian government broke in to the Democratic National Committee’s computer networks and gained access to confidential emails, chats and opposition research on presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Washington. The DNC said financial and personal information does not appear to have been accessed by the hackers. (AP Photo/Paul Holston)
People stand outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters in Washington, Tuesday, June 14, 2016. Two “sophisticated adversaries” linked to Russian intelligence services broke into the Democratic N... People stand outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters in Washington, Tuesday, June 14, 2016. Two “sophisticated adversaries” linked to Russian intelligence services broke into the Democratic National Committee’s computer networks and gained access to confidential emails, chats and opposition research on presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, the party and an outside analyst said Tuesday, June 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Paul Holston) MORE LESS
Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

The Democratic National Committee recently reported to the FBI that a security sweep turned up evidence its Washington, D.C. headquarters may have been bugged, two unnamed committee officials told Mother Jones.

According to the report, the DNC ordered two recent sweeps: one after the hack of its employees’ emails and a second after conservative activist James O’Keefe released a hidden camera video suggesting Democrats tried to incite violence at some of Donald Trump’s campaign rallies. The sources told Mother Jones that the second sweep turned up a radio signal near interim DNC Chair Donna Brazile’s office.

“We were told that this was something that could pick up calls from cell phones,” one unnamed DNC official told Mother Jones. “The guys who did the sweep said it was a strong indication.”

No device was ultimately found, according to the report, but the findings from the sweep were sent on to the FBI. The unnamed official would not tell Mother Jones what actions were taken from there, beyond saying “we believe it’s been given by the bureau to another agency with three letters to examine.”

“As a general policy, we don’t talk about such efforts,” the other source told Mother Jones. “You have to take all of this incredibly seriously.”

A spokesperson for the DNC declined to comment on the security sweeps to Mother Jones.

“The DNC is not going to comment on stories about its security,” spokesman Adam Hodge told the site. “In all security matters, we cooperate fully with the appropriate law enforcement agencies and take all necessary steps to protect the committee and the safety and security of our staff.”

The FBI did not respond to Mother Jones’ request for comment.

Latest Livewire

Notable Replies

  1. “As a general policy, we don’t talk about such efforts,” the other source told Mother Jones. “You have to take all of this incredibly seriously.”

    Discretion is your calling card.

  2. What was not revealed was that any bug found would have likely been marked “Property of RWNJFBI”.

  3. Being found penis-free by the GOP?

Continue the discussion at forums.talkingpointsmemo.com

82 more replies

Participants

Avatar for system1 Avatar for valgalky23 Avatar for littlegirlblue Avatar for sooner Avatar for mattinpa Avatar for mymy Avatar for fargo116 Avatar for irasdad Avatar for chelsea530 Avatar for taters Avatar for theghostofeustacetilley Avatar for khaaannn Avatar for commanderogg Avatar for fiftygigs Avatar for darrtown Avatar for tena Avatar for docd Avatar for rickjones Avatar for jacksonhts Avatar for winston12 Avatar for grack Avatar for socalista Avatar for maximus Avatar for drwho

Continue Discussion
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Deputy Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: