James O’Keefe on Felony Charges for Exposing Fraud in Minnesota

Overview

James O’Keefe says Minnesota prosecutors indicted him and fellow journalist Cameron Higbee on two felony counts: identity theft and illegal voting. The case follows their investigation into Minnesota’s election rules. O’Keefe characterizes the prosecution as retaliation for their reporting and a threat to press freedom.

The subtitles’ opening phrase, “felony murder,” conflicts with the charges described later in the video.

O’Keefe’s account of the investigation

O’Keefe says the journalists were investigating how election procedures worked, not trying to vote. He says they asked election officials hypothetical questions, did not submit ballot applications or sign required oaths, and never received or touched ballots. He also says his team trained reporters not to claim to be the people whose names they asked about.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty is quoted as saying that undercover reporting at polling places is not permitted and that the journalists’ conduct could still constitute a crime, even though they stopped before completing the process.

Press freedom claims

O’Keefe describes the prosecution as press persecution and refers to past legal disputes in which he says he prevailed or helped establish First Amendment protections. He cites a similar investigation involving former Attorney General Eric Holder as an example of reporting that stopped short of seeking a ballot.

He presents the case as a broader question about whether journalists and citizens can question government officials and calls on independent and traditional media to defend the First Amendment. He says he was summoned to appear in criminal court on November 16.

People mentioned

• James O’Keefe
• Cameron Higbee, also rendered “Cam Higbee” in the subtitles
• Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty
• Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder