Minneapolis Election Probe: Two Men Charged With Identity Theft

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced charges against James O'Keefe and Cam Higby on Wednesday. The two men face counts of unlawful voting and identity theft following an August undercover video.

Moriarty stated that protecting elections is a top priority. She noted that individuals engaging in unlawful conduct related to elections will be held accountable.

The video at the center of the case shows O'Keefe and Higby approaching election judges at multiple Minneapolis precincts. They wore burqas, used fake accents, and allegedly misrepresented their identities. The pair claimed the stunt exposed gaps in rules allowing residents to vouch for other voters' identities. No ballots were cast during these interactions.

Prosecutors said the men deceived election judges by using the identities of real Minnesota voters without their knowledge or permission. This action violated state law. Each count carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $10,000. Charging documents indicate neither man is currently in custody.

O'Keefe, who describes himself as a guerilla journalist, called the charges weaponized lawfare. He defended the video as constitutionally protected journalism and vowed to fight the charges. He stated the issue is fundamental and concerns the right of citizens to question their government.

Higby, a social media influencer, posted on X that no laws were broken. He claimed authorities wanted him in prison for exposing election vulnerabilities. O'Keefe did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Steve Simon, the state's top election official, said attempts to disrupt or deceive election workers will not be tolerated.

This is not O'Keefe's first legal trouble. In 2010, he pleaded guilty in Louisiana to a misdemeanor charge of entering federal property under false pretenses. He had posed as a telephone repairman to access a U.S. senator's New Orleans office.