WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, a federal grand jury indicted 13 individuals and three Russian entities for criminally interfering in the 2016 presidential election. The indictments, which are part of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s ongoing investigation, are the first tied directly to Russian interference in the U.S. election.

“Today’s indictment is an important step forward in our work to get to the bottom of Russia’s attack on our democracy,” said Rep. Sewell. “By holding Russian suspects accountable, these charges send a message that attacks on our democracy will not be tolerated. The indictment also confirms findings from our ongoing investigation in the House Intelligence Committee and reveals new information about Russia’s attack, including the depth of the conspiracy to defraud American voters.”

“Disturbingly, today’s indictment confirms our finding that Russia specifically targeted minority voters in a campaign to decrease their participation in the 2016 elections. Our nation’s voting rights foot soldiers fought too long and too hard against voter suppression here at home to have our right to vote diminished by a foreign actor. We must continue our investigation and work with the press and social media companies to ensure that our media platforms are never again used to stifle the voice of America’s voters.”

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Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) is serving her fourth term representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional district. She sits on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was recently appointed to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Sewell is a Chief Deputy Whip and serves on the prestigious Steering and Policy Committee of the Democratic Caucus. She is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and serves as Vice Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, and Vice Chair of Outreach for the New Democrat Coalition