(AP) — FBI agents raided the office of a Republican consulting firm in Maryland on Thursday in connection with an investigation into the 2013 Virginia governor’s race. FBI agents executed a search warrant at a GOP consulting firm in Annapolis, Maryland, Thursday afternoon, setting off alarms for liberals and conservatives online who were convinced it was related to the Russia investigation. Rogers, whose firm has previously worked with campaign committees for Maryland House of Delegates and Senate candidates, said the FBI investigation concerns work the firm performed during the 2013 Virginia gubernatorial campaign of former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, a Republican. According to Rogers, his firm settled a civil suit brought by the Cuccinelli campaign after he lost the 2013 Virginia governor's race to Democrat Terry McAuliffe. The FBI confirms agents are executing a search warrant at an office of a GOP fundraiser and consulting firm in Annapolis, the 11 News I-Team has learned., the I-Team has learned.The FBI used trash bags to cover a window at the third-floor offices of Strategic Campaign Group at 191 Main St.The firm is touted for pioneering the use of technology in political campaigns, and it represents GOP candidates nationwide.None of the building tenants, which include Annapolis lobbyists, said they know what the search is about. Rogers says related allegations may have prompted this raid:

The Cuccinelli suit alleged that Strategic Campaign Group and the associated Conservative Strike Force Political Action Committee — an independent group not affiliated with the candidate — raised about $2.2 million by assuring donors it would spend the money to help elect the GOP candidate. The publication details how Strategic Campaign Group made calls on behalf of and controlled the Conservative Strike Force PAC, which Cuccinelli accused of pulling wool over his followers’ eyes via a “malicious ‘Scam PAC’ operation.”

Social media photos are currently circulating that show Strategic Campaign Group’s front windows covered in black plastic by the FBI.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation raids a Republican fundraising firm in Annapolis, Maryland.