The Wire - October 29, 2024

//The Wire//2300Z October 29, 2024//
//ROUTINE//
//BLUF: RUSSIA CONDUCTS LARGE-SCALE NUCLEAR WEAPONS DRILL. WIDESPREAD ELECTION INTEGRITY ISSUES CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES.//
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-International Events-
Russia: This morning a large-scale test of Russian nuclear capabilities was conducted, with test launches from the sea, land, and air taking place simultaneously. An RS-24 Yars ICBM was test launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, along with unidentified cruise missiles test-launched from strategic bombers. Two different submarine-launched ICBM tests were conducted as well.
-HomeFront-
United States: Election irregularities continue to grow nationwide. In Pennsylvania, prospective voters reported that at least one early-voting polling place in Bucks County closed several hours early today. Also in Bucks County, unknown personnel have been observed using fake/deceptive badges pretending to be poll workers/election officials, allegedly telling people to go home and that they cannot vote at particular voting sites. AC: Per Pennsylvania law (and the laws of most other states), polling places must remain open if there are voters in line to vote. NO ONE can tell any citizen to go home for the day, or “try again when it’s not too crowded”. If you are in line when the polling place closes, you have the right to cast your ballot.
In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania the Board of Election released a statement that approximately 2,500 voter registration applications are being investigated for fraud. These applications were dropped off at the Elections Office in two large batches a few days ago, all of which allegedly had the same handwriting patterns.
In Fresno, California a ballot drop box key was found to be left in the lock at a drop box by a voter dropping off their ballot, prompting security concerns. In Lane County, Oregon a key to at least two USPS mail drop boxes was stolen, prompting authorities to urge voters who may have dropped of their mail-in ballots in the affected boxes to track their ballots online.
Georgia: This afternoon an active shooter was reported at the Four Seasons hotel in Atlanta. An unidentified man was observed to be randomly shooting from a balcony at the hotel. AC: Though details are challenging to confirm, this was possibly more of a mental health crisis than a more calculated sniper attack. However, as the assailant’s position offered line-of-sight to significant portions of downtown Atlanta, locals were urged to shelter in place while the crisis was ongoing. After a few hours, authorities gave the all clear after the suspect was in police custody.
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Analyst Comments: While comparatively rare to see a simultaneous “combined-arms” test of Russia’s nuclear triad, this likely follows the readiness drills that took place earlier this month, with these tests being a more deliberate live-fire test of various missile platforms. The timing of these ICBM tests is also likely intended to serve as a more direct message to the United States during a time of heightened tensions domestically.
Analyst: S2A1
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