In a statement to Yellowhammer News, Alabama Republican Party chair Terry Lathan responded to the revelation that Democratic operatives executed a covert, “deceptive” digital campaign copying “Russian tactics” in support of Doug Jones’ candidacy in 2017.

“It is alarming and deeply disturbing that Democrats took part in this sham,” Lathan said.

She also spoke to the claims by participants in the Democratic shadow operation that their efforts were a “small experiment” meant to manipulate Alabama’s voters.

“It is unconscionable that Alabamians were part of their social experiments,” Lathan added.

She further outlined, “This serves as a moment of warning to everyone- unknown unverified social media posts, ads or messaging should be highly scrutinized. Also, it is a fair question to specifically ask Doug Jones if he had any knowledge about any of these reprehensible actions. Alabamians will not take kindly to anyone, whether it be an individual, group or business entity, seeking to manipulate us. I hope the Democrats would agree on this as well.”

You can read about the newly revealed Democratic tactics here.

Jones has since reacted to the original report, saying he was “outraged” and that he had no prior knowledge of the operatives’ actions. He also called for an investigation by the Federal Elections Commission and Department of Justice.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn