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FBI Searches Washington Post Reporter’s Home in Classified Leak Investigation

The rare search follows Attorney General Pam Bondi’s rollback of Biden-era limits on seizing reporters’ records in leak investigations.

Overview

  • Agents executed a warrant at Hannah Natanson’s Virginia residence and seized her phone, two laptops, and a Garmin watch, according to the Washington Post.
  • Investigators told Natanson she is not the focus of the probe, which targets Maryland contractor Aurelio Perez-Lugones, charged with unlawful retention of national defense information.
  • An FBI affidavit alleges Perez-Lugones removed and printed classified intelligence reports, with documents found at his home, including in a lunchbox and basement.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi said the action was undertaken at the Pentagon’s request and stated the alleged leaker is in custody; FBI Director Kash Patel posted that the reporting endangered U.S. forces.
  • The Post said it also received a subpoena tied to the contractor case, as press-freedom groups condemned the home search as highly unusual and a serious First Amendment concern.