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Social-media images shown as evidence of 'Russian trolls'

Getty Images Alleged Russian-created Facebook pages behind Senator Patrick LeahyGetty Images
Senator Patrick Leahy said technology companies could have done "a lot more earlier" about the fake accounts

US senators have put on show several examples of what they believe to be Russia's attempt to influence US citizens via social media.

Facebook, Twitter and Google had previously shared with congressional investigators some examples of what they suspected to be adverts and messages posted by Russia-based "troll" operatives, but the material had not previously been made public - although some instances had already been identified by the press.

Below are the cases displayed during the Senate Subcommittee on the Judiciary's hearing on Tuesday and a follow-up event held by the Senate Subcommittee on Intelligence, which is ongoing.

Getty Images Suspected Russia-backed tweetGetty Images
This tweet falsely suggested citizens could vote via text message during November's presidential election
Getty Images Doctored image featuring the comedian Aziz AnsariGetty Images
This doctored image featuring the comedian Aziz Ansari was also posted to Twitter
US Senate Facebook adUS Senate
Senator Chris Coons said this advert had been run by Russia to target Facebook users identified as being supportive of army veterans
Getty Images Donald Trump tweetGetty Images
President Trump was said to have retweeted a message from a fake account run by Russian agents
Getty Images FacebookGetty Images
An account titled Being Patriotic was used to publicise a "miners for Trump" event held in Pennsylvania in October 2016
Getty Images Russian-linked Facebook imagesGetty Images
Facebook accounts linked to Russia included Infidels Against Islam; Fed-up with Illegals; Guardians of Freedom; and Stop Killing White People
US Senate Heart of Texas accountUS Senate
Wednesday's hearing also highlighted the Heart of Texas Facebook account, which had more than 250,000 followers...
US Senate Heart of Texas accountUS Senate
...it was used to place an advert to publicise an anti-Muslim event
US Senate United Muslims of America groupUS Senate
Russian agents were also said to have operated a Facebook group that promoted pro-Islamic themes...
US Senate United Muslims of America eventUS Senate
...it created an event for its followers at the same time and place as the anti-Muslim rally
US Senate Street protestsUS Senate
Senator Richard Burr said it had cost Russian trolls about $200 to cause the resulting disruption in Houston, Texas
US Senate Army of Jesus Facebook pageUS Senate
Senator Mark Warner said a Facebook page designed to appeal to Christians initially "lured in" users with bible quotes and other "benign" posts...
US Senate Army of Jesus Facebook pageUS Senate
...but it later posted anti-Clinton memes after attracting tens of thousands of followers