Former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson said on Sunday that he “could not discount” tension or unrest on Election Day.
“I cannot … discount the possibility of tension, some unrest on Election Day and in the immediate aftermath. I do know that our FBI, and I have a very high regard for our FBI, has been very focused on this issue,” Johnson told host Margaret Brennan on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”
“None of this discussion should discourage people from participating in voting and exercising their right and their responsibility to vote,” he added, saying he is “encouraged” that over 90 million people have already voted.
“I remain optimistic, but we cannot discount the possibility of some trouble or unanticipated events, given the tension that exists out there,” he added.
Johnson also said he is “very proud” of the fact that DHS has established protocols to respond to any potential crisis on Election Eay through its Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
“[T]hey’ve even gone so far as setting up a mechanism to debunk rumors,” he said. “That is very, very encouraging.”
In the same interview, Johnson, who served as DHS secretary from 2013 to 2017, would not rule out the possibility of serving in a potential Biden administration.
“It’s difficult to look past the next 72 hours. I’m a private citizen. I’m enjoying being a private citizen. I’ve been in government four separate times,” Johnson said. “If asked to serve again, as a patriotic American, I’d have to carefully consider it.”