**Russian-Origin Bomb Threats Disrupt Georgia Polling Stations**

Bomb threats, traced back to Russia, briefly disrupted voting at two polling locations in Georgia, as revealed by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger on Tuesday. Raffensperger clarified that while the threats were deemed non-credible, they were thoroughly investigated to ensure public safety. He expressed concerns that such threats were aimed at undermining the election process and fostering division within the community.

The threats led to temporary closures at the Etris Community Center and Gullatt Elementary in Union City, an area with a predominantly Black population according to the US Census Bureau. Fulton County Police reported the incidents, and actions were taken to ensure the safety of voters and election workers.

Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, did not provide specific details regarding how officials traced the threats back to Russia. However, he emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant against any attempts to disrupt election integrity, stating that the goal of such actions appears to be to provoke discord and create chaos.

In response to the disturbances, Fulton County registration and elections director, Nadine Williams, announced that the county is seeking to extend voting hours. This measure aims to compensate for the time lost during the polling station closures.

An FBI statement acknowledged awareness of the threats but did not confirm their origin. The bureau emphasized its commitment to election integrity and close collaboration with state and local law enforcement to address such threats.

One voter, Michael Osborne, recounted his experience of arriving at his Union City polling site only to find it surrounded by emergency and police vehicles. An officer informed him and others that they could not enter due to a bomb threat. The delay lasted approximately an hour, during which time voters, including those mid-vote and lined up, had to wait outside while the building was secured.

Poll watcher Evette Reyes noted that around 25 people were waiting in line at the Etris Community Center when the threat was received, with three individuals in the midst of casting their votes. The incident highlighted the challenges faced on election day and the necessity of taking every measure to protect the voting process.