Russia behind Walz deepfake video, US intelligence community officials say

Vice presidential nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz discusses Israel's right to defend itself and Kamala Harris' economic policies on'Fox News Sunday.' A deepfake video disparaging vice presidential candidate Tim Walz was created by "Russian influence actors" who are trying to undermine Kamala Harris' campaign, U.S. intelligence community officials told Fox News. The video circulating on social media purports to show former Mankato West High School student Matthew Metro claiming that he was groped and kissed by Walz in 1997 when the Minnesota governor was a teacher there. Except the allegations are completely fabricated. "Based on newly available intelligence analysis conducted over the weekend, Russian influence actors manufactured and amplified the content," the officials told Fox News, adding that the video fit a pattern used by Russian actors in which the subject was "staged direct to camera and trying to make them go viral." These intelligence community officials also pointed out that they believe Russia is likely to be more aggressive in its efforts to sow division in the U.S. post-election if Harris wins, because Russia prefers that former President Trump win the 2024 race.