FBI visit to Milwaukee County elections director’s home sparks backlash from county leaders
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) — The FBI visited the home of Milwaukee County Elections Director Michelle Hawley on Wednesday, leaving a business card as federal officials continue reviewing claims tied to the 2020 election.
The visit has drawn sharp criticism from county leaders, who say federal agents went directly to Hawley’s residence instead of contacting the election office.
“I’m irritated. The fact that we continue to relitigate the 2020 election is mind-blowing for me,” Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said.
Crowley also questioned the approach used by federal officials.
“For the FBI not to contact the clerk's office and go directly to her home quite frankly feels like an act of intimidation,” he said.
He added that Wisconsin courts have repeatedly upheld the integrity of the state’s elections.
“We want folks to understand these elections were free and fair. Every single court in Wisconsin has said that nothing nefarious has went on with our elections,” Crowley said.
Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson said in a statement: "It is unfortunate that the FBI chose to visit the private residence of Milwaukee County’s Elections Director rather than contact the Election Commission’s office directly. No dedicated public servant should be subjected to that type of intrusion.”
CBS 58 reached out to both the Wisconsin and Milwaukee elections commissions for comment but have not heard back yet.
CBS 58 also contacted the FBI Milwaukee Division, but the agency declined to comment.