Russian ‘influence actors’ spreading disinformation about Tim Walz, intelligence community concludes

A man claiming to be a former student of Walz accused the governor of sexual assault, even though he was apparently an impostor using the identity of a former student of Walz. The actual former student confirmed his identity to the WashingtonPostand also that the story was false and that he was not the man in the video detailing the allegations.

“The intelligence community believes that Russian influence actors have created and amplified content alleging that the Democratic vice presidential nominee committed improper activities during his earlier career,” an official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told reporters on Tuesday.

“The intelligence community reviewed the media involved in this effort, uncovering several indicators of manipulation consistent with Russian actors’ influence efforts and tactics this cycle,” the official continued, adding that the intelligence community reviewed the video analyzed. and found it “consistent” with “Russian influence actors trying to undermine the Democratic presidential ticket by fabricating accusations against them.”

The former student, named Matthew Metro, said the man in the video is “obviously not me,” adding: “The teeth are different, the hair is different, the eyes are different, the nose is different. I don’t know where they get this from.”

X eventually added labels under the video indicating that the content had been manipulated, but not before the video had been seen by millions of people.

The ODNI’s ruling comes two weeks before election day.

Russia, China and Iran have tried to interfere in the election by spreading misinformation about the country and the candidates and trying to sow division among the American electorate.

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The intelligence community expects that U.S. adversaries will continue these efforts through Election Day and into the inauguration of the next president, and believes they will attempt to create distrust in the results of the presidential election. Some of Russia’s efforts to exert influence include attempts to incite violence, question the validity of democracy as a system, and amplify false information and conspiracy theories.

“In particular, Iran and Russia are likely willing to at least consider tactics that could contribute to such violence. Foreign adversaries have shown a willingness to encourage participation in non-election-related protests and may expand this practice,” the official explained.