The Republican National Committee (RNC) has taken legal action against the City of Detroit, asserting that election officials have failed to uphold transparency by deleting surveillance footage of a ballot drop box. As reported by the CBS News, the suit filed cites violations of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, referencing the fact that the surveillance footage was requested prior to it being overwritten.
RNC chair Michael Whatley stated, "Deleting drop box surveillance footage while there is a pending FOIA request for it is an assault on transparency. This breach of trust is exactly what reduces confidence in our elections." This statement was relayed by several sources including conservativereview, which also mentioned the party is seeking an injunction to ensure the city retains such surveillance for the election process.
According to the CBS News report, the FOIA request was filed by Jonathan Koch on behalf of the RNC on August 20, with the city admitting that the footage was no longer available by September 16, suggesting it was recorded after 30 days, as per city policy. The RNC contends that the city was in receipt of the request more than two weeks before the alleged deletion of the footage, thereby infringing upon the legal obligation to preserve it.
The city's response points to an oversight in their FOIA compliance but reiterates that there was no underhanded activity involved with the drop boxes. An official from the city was quoted by the Daily Wire as having informed Koch that the video is no longer available after 30 days and is recorded over. The suit, however, highlights a 2019 Detroit executive order that states records must be preserved if a FOIA request has been received before automatic deletion timelines.
The Daily Wire has detailed the course of the RNC's legal challenge, emphasizing the demand for the city to comply with its footage retention policies and to recognize the claimed violation of Michigan public records law. The lawsuit not only aims for a procedural change but also seeks financial repercussions, demanding the recovery of attorneys' fees and imposition of fines on the city of Detroit.
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