FBI agents conducted a search of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson's home in Virginia on Wednesday, seizing her phone, two computers, and a Garmin watch. The search is part of an ongoing investigation into a government contractor accused of unlawfully retaining classified information. Officials informed Ms. Natanson that she is not the primary focus of the probe. The action has drawn scrutiny and concern from press freedom organizations, marking what has been reported as the first instance of the Justice Department executing a search warrant at a reporter's home in a national security leak investigation.
Search Details and Scope
On Wednesday, federal agents executed a search warrant at Ms. Natanson's residence in Virginia. During the search, they confiscated her phone, a work computer, a personal computer (referenced as two laptops in some reports), and a Garmin watch. According to The Washington Post, Ms. Natanson was informed by investigators that she is not the central subject of the investigation. Washington Post Executive Editor Matt Murray stated to colleagues that both Ms. Natanson and the newspaper are not subjects of the probe and expressed concerns regarding constitutional protections for journalistic work. The Justice Department confirmed the search took place.
Investigation into Government Contractor
The search warrant is connected to an investigation targeting Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a systems administrator and information technology specialist for a government contractor in Maryland. Mr. Perez-Lugones, who has held top-secret security clearance since 2002, was charged earlier this month with unlawful retention of national defense information.
An FBI affidavit states that Mr. Perez-Lugones accessed and printed classified intelligence reports while at work, including a top-secret intelligence report related to an unnamed foreign country. During a search of his Maryland home and vehicle, authorities reportedly discovered documents marked "SECRET," with one found inside a lunch box. Court documents, however, do not accuse Mr. Perez-Lugones of sharing classified information or leaking it to any third party. He is currently in custody and scheduled for a court appearance.
Official Statements and Justice Department Policy
US Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the investigation involves a reporter "obtaining and reporting classified and illegally leaked information from a Pentagon contractor." Bondi also indicated that the alleged leaker is in custody. She affirmed that the administration would not tolerate illegal leaks of classified information, emphasizing the potential risks to national security. On Wednesday night, Bondi alleged on Fox News that Ms. Natanson’s seized devices "contain classified material regarding our foreign adversaries." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated President Trump's firm stance against the unauthorized disclosure of classified information.
In April, Attorney General Bondi rescinded Biden-era policies that had shielded journalists from having their phone records seized or being compelled to testify in leak investigations. This policy change, which went into effect last May, authorizes prosecutors to more readily use subpoenas, court orders, and search warrants in such cases. A memo from Bondi's office specifies that members of the press are "presumptively entitled to advance notice" of such activities and that warrants must include "protocols designed to limit the scope of intrusion." The Defense Department reportedly requested the search.
Press Freedom Concerns and Historical Context
The search of Ms. Natanson's home has prompted criticism and concern from press freedom and First Amendment advocacy organizations. Jameel Jaffer, executive director of the Knight First Amendment Institute, stated that any search targeting a journalist warrants intense scrutiny due to its potential impact on reporting vital to democracy. Bruce Brown, president of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, described physical searches of reporters' devices and homes as highly intrusive investigative steps. Gabe Rottman of the Reporters Committee noted the unprecedented nature of a search warrant at a reporter's home in a national security leak investigation.
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has requested a federal judge to unseal the Justice Department's applications for the search warrant, citing the public's need to understand the government’s basis for seeking and a federal court’s basis for approving an action with significant implications for a free press and constitutional rights of journalists.
Historically, federal investigators in leak cases have typically sought subpoenas for reporters' records, which often led to extended legal disputes. While the Obama administration pursued leakers and, at times, journalists, leading to tightened protections by Attorney General Eric Holder, subsequent prosecutors in the Trump administration covertly pursued internal communications from news outlets. Attorney General Merrick Garland implemented new protections in 2021, which were revised by Attorney General Bondi. National security attorney Mark Zaid stated that the application of the Espionage Act concerning the press has historically relied on norms and policy, which he believes the current administration has disregarded.
Reporter's Background
Hannah Natanson has reported extensively on changes within the federal government, including the Trump administration's initiatives to dismiss federal workers and reshape the workforce. Her reporting involved gathering information from over 1,000 current and former federal government sources, some of whom shared sensitive information, and she has encouraged the use of encrypted communication via Signal. Ms. Natanson was one of six Washington Post reporters who co-authored a story last week about Venezuela, which cited secret government documents. The Washington Post affirmed its full support for Ms. Natanson and its commitment to defending its journalistic work.