TL;DR
The FBI executed a search of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s Virginia home early Wednesday, seizing devices including her phone and a Garmin watch. The action was linked to an investigation into a government contractor accused of removing classified intelligence materials; the Post and press‑freedom groups criticized the search as highly unusual.
What happened
Federal agents searched the Virginia residence of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson early Wednesday as part of an inquiry tied to a separate probe of a government contractor accused of improperly retaining classified documents. According to reporting, investigators searched Natanson’s home and devices and took her phone and a Garmin watch. The search warrant cited an investigation into Aurelio Perez‑Lugones, a Maryland system administrator with a top‑secret clearance who has been accused of accessing and taking classified intelligence reports. An FBI affidavit in that investigation reportedly described documents found in Perez‑Lugones’s lunchbox and basement. The Washington Post called the search “highly unusual and aggressive,” and the paper said it was reviewing and monitoring the situation. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Advocacy groups and newsroom figures condemned the raid and warned about the potential impact of such searches on source protection and reporting.
Why it matters
- Searches of journalists’ homes and devices are rare and can threaten the confidentiality of sources, a key element of investigative reporting.
- Seizure of reporters’ devices raises legal and ethical questions about law enforcement limits and Department of Justice policies governing searches involving the press.
- The action may affect newsroom practices and source willingness to speak with reporters covering sensitive government matters.
- Observers see the move as a potential escalation in government scrutiny of journalists covering the federal government.
Key facts
- The raid took place early Wednesday at the Virginia home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson.
- Agents searched Natanson’s home and devices and seized her phone and a Garmin watch.
- The warrant was connected to an investigation into Aurelio Perez‑Lugones, a system administrator in Maryland with a top‑secret security clearance.
- Perez‑Lugones has been accused of accessing and taking classified intelligence reports, according to the reporting.
- An FBI affidavit in the contractor’s case reportedly referenced documents found in his lunchbox and basement.
- The Washington Post described the search as “highly unusual and aggressive” and said it was reviewing the situation.
- The Justice Department did not immediately return a request for comment.
- Bruce D. Brown, president of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, condemned the raid and noted DOJ policies are intended to limit such searches because of risks to confidential sources.
What to watch next
- Whether the affidavit and warrant documents related to the search are publicly released — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether the Justice Department will provide a formal explanation or respond to the Post’s reporting — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether the Washington Post or Natanson will pursue legal action or a challenge to the seizure of devices — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Search warrant: A court order authorizing law enforcement to search a specified location and seize listed items as part of an investigation.
- Affidavit: A written statement made under oath that often supports a warrant application by describing the facts and reasons for probable cause.
- Classified materials: Information that a government has designated as restricted for reasons of national security and that requires authorization to access.
- Top‑secret clearance: A high-level security clearance that allows access to information whose unauthorized disclosure could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security.
Reader FAQ
Was Hannah Natanson charged with a crime?
Not confirmed in the source.
What items did agents seize during the search?
The reporting says agents seized Natanson’s phone and a Garmin watch; other details were not specified in the source.
Why did the FBI say it carried out the search?
The warrant was tied to an investigation into Aurelio Perez‑Lugones, a contractor accused of accessing and taking classified intelligence reports; specific government statements were not provided in the source.
Did the Justice Department comment?
The Justice Department did not immediately return a request for comment, according to the reporting.
View image in fullscreen The Washington Post’s office in Washington DC on 27 June 2024. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images US news FBI raids home of Washington Post reporter in ‘highly unusual…
Sources
- FBI raids Washington Post reporter's home in 'highly unusual and aggressive' act
- FBI Raids Home of Washington Post Journalist Covering …
- FBI searches home of WaPo reporter in classified …
- FBI Seizes Washington Post Journalist's Devices in Search …
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