Digital Forensics Dispatch

FBI Requests Electronic Evidence from Ongoing Protests

June 16, 2020

As the protests surrounding the death of George Floyd continue, FBI Director Christopher Wray requested members of the public to send any available digital media showing violence at protests, as reported by Fox Business.

The announcement was made earlier this month alongside a plea for the violence and destruction to end. In a press conference, Wray stated the following: “In recent days, the violence, threat to life, and destruction of property that we’ve seen in some parts of the country jeopardizes the rights and safety of all citizens, including peaceful demonstrators. It has to stop.”

Around the time of the conference, the FBI published an announcement that they are seeking information on any individuals inciting violence at the otherwise peaceful demonstrations. Included in the request is any digital media depicting “violent encounters surrounding the civil unrest that is happening throughout the country.”

Any images or videos submitted will likely undergo a forensic analysis to determine if there is any internal metadata present that can assist in determining a time or location of the violent acts. From there, it may be necessary for the photos and videos to be enhanced to determine facial features or small details in the media that can help with identifying individuals.

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