The FBI has begun an investigation into the Democratic National Committee’s email hack, officials announced Monday.
“The FBI is investigating a cyber intrusion involving the DNC and are working to determine the nature and scope of the matter,” the organization said in a statement. “A compromise of this nature is something we take very seriously, and the FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who pose a threat in cyberspace.”
The investigation comes after leaked emails, posted by Wikileaks, appeared to show Democratic party officials trying to aid Hillary Clinton’s campaign during the primary. The emails show that top officials mocked Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders during the primary race, and in at least one exchange considered using Sanders’ religious beliefs as a way to hurt his campaign.
Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook blamed the hack on “Russian state actors” Sunday in an interview with ABC News, saying, “It’s troubling that some experts are now telling us that this was done by the Russians for the purpose of helping Donald Trump.”
Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigned from her post Sunday. The email release cast a pall over the Democratic National Convention, which is being held this week.
