A recent false claim circulating on social media alleging that Kamala Harris was involved in a hit-and-run incident in 2011 in San Francisco has been attributed to a covert Russian disinformation operation named Storm-1516, according to new research by Microsoft. The group created a video, hired an actor to pose as the alleged victim, and spread the claim through a fake website for a non-existent San Francisco news outlet. This discovery showcases Russia’s efforts to increase its foreign influence operations ahead of the upcoming presidential election in the United States.
Microsoft noted that elements of the Russian group began producing content implicating Vice President Harris and Governor Walz in fake conspiracy theories, despite initial struggles after President Biden’s exit from the 2024 race. Storm-1516 is known for creating misleading videos featuring actors who impersonate whistleblowers or journalists to spread false and scandalous information.
The false claim, which circulated on social media platforms with the hashtag #HitAndRunKamala, alleged that the Democratic presidential candidate left a 13-year-old girl paralyzed in a hit-and-run incident. The video has been viewed over 2.7 million times, and entities within the pro-Russian ecosystem reportedly advanced its claims.
This revelation comes amidst the US Justice Department filing money-laundering charges against two employees of Russian state media network RT for attempting to produce online content to influence the election. US officials believe Russia’s ultimate goal is to exploit political divisions in the US and weaken public support for American military aid to Ukraine. Harris has pledged to continue supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion if elected.
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