“Like vials of heroin or cocaine...”
Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss became targets of a massive disinformation campaign following the 2020 U.S. Presidential election. Both worked in Georgia’s Fulton County election system, processing ballots at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. A video showed them handling ballots late at night, which was wrongly interpreted by conspiracy theorists as evidence of fraud. Figures like Rudy Giuliani falsely claimed they were handling fake ballots in “suitcases” and accused them of passing USB drives “like vials of heroin or cocaine.” These claims were proven false, but Giuliani’s statements fueled threats and harassment against the two women.
Donald Trump mentioned Freeman by name 18 times during a January 2021 call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, calling her a “professional vote scammer.” Freeman and Moss endured a flood of death threats, leading Freeman to go into hiding. Despite multiple investigations debunking the fraud claims, Freeman's life was turned upside down, with her fearing for her safety. Giuliani later admitted in court that his claims were false during a defamation lawsuit brought by Freeman and Moss.
Additionally, individuals tied to Trump’s campaign, including publicist Trevian Kutti and pastor Stephen Lee, pressured Freeman to falsely admit to ballot fraud. Kutti visited Freeman’s home on January 4, 2021, under the guise of offering help, but tried to convince her to confess to election-related crimes. Freeman, distrusting the situation, asked a police officer to be present during the meeting.
Both Freeman and Moss testified during the January 6 hearings about the traumatic impact these false accusations had on their lives. Freeman shared how her life and business were disrupted, and Moss described the stress and fear that followed the baseless accusations. Giuliani’s false claims against the two women are now recognized as a key part of the broader effort to undermine the 2020 election results.
The New Republic, The Two Heroes of the Georgia Indictment (The New Republic), Reuters, Two Georgia election workers targeted by Trump supporters (Washington Monthly), CNN, Trump's call with Raffensperger (The New Republic), NPR, Giuliani Admits in Court He Made False Claims(Washington Monthly).
