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Back to Rumor Control

Are FBI agents, National Guard troops and drones posted around the King Greenleaf Recreation Center vote center in DC? Not confirmed.

The rumor is Unverified

Federal agents and troops District of Columbia Checking now

“FBI agents and National Guard troops are posted around the King Greenleaf Recreation Center polling place in Southwest DC, with drones circling.”

The fact

King Greenleaf Recreation Center, 201 N St. SW, is a DC vote center.

The claim comes from a single Instagram post on Oct. 30 that cites poll workers. No election official, agency or news outlet has confirmed FBI agents, Guard troops or drones at the site. On Oct. 28 the Justice Department told a federal court under oath that no FBI or ICE employees will serve as election monitors. Guard troops are still deployed in DC, and their task force says they are directed not to monitor or secure polling locations. The DC Board of Elections says the Guard, ICE and similar groups may not enter vote centers or the 50-foot zone around them unless they are there to vote. Federal law bars troops and armed federal agents at polling places. Go vote. Early voting runs through Nov. 1. If you see troops or agents at a vote center, tell a poll worker and report it to the DC Board of Elections and the DC Attorney General's office. If anyone is in danger, call 911. For election protection help, call 866-OUR-VOTE.

How we know: 4 sources

Official statements 2

  1. DC Attorney General voter advisory, Oct 21 Checked Archived copy
  2. DC Board of Elections vote center list Checked Archived copy

News reports 2

  1. The Washington Sun, Oct 27 Checked Archived copy
  2. Newsweek: DOJ says no FBI or ICE poll monitors, Oct 28 Checked Archived copy