Ohio Democrats challenge FBI over Cleveland raid

State of play: The lawmakers are seeking copies of search warrants and explanations for the raid's legal basis, along with information about the investigation's scope and execution.

Between the lines: The letter, sent to Director Kash Patel and special agent in charge Joshua DelManzo of the Cleveland field office, tied the OOC raid to a broader pattern of election-related investigations and voting restrictions.

The latest: Brown convened local politicians and faith leaders at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections Wednesday to reassure Ohio voters that civic participation remains a sacred right, and that instances of voter fraud are exceedingly rare.

• Brown said she has received no communication from the FBI or U.S. Department of Justice in response to previous questions about the raid, which is why the lawmakers sent the letter and drummed up publicity with Wednesday's event.

What they're saying: "Your vote is safe. Your vote is secure. Your vote is valid," Brown said in opening remarks.

• State Sen. Kent Smith (D-Euclid) noted that OOC registered roughly 116,000 voters in 2024, and said "it looks like they were not targeted for doing anything wrong, but rather because they were so effective at doing right."
• "Voter registration is not voter fraud," he said, echoing Brown. "Urban communities voting is not voter fraud. Black Americans voting is not voter fraud."

The other side: The FBI declined to comment when reached by Axios.

What's next: The letter has requested a response "no later than" June 22.