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FBI Searches Washington Post Reporter’s Home, Seizes Devices in Leak Probe

The warrant targets a charged Maryland contractor, reflecting DOJ’s revived use of aggressive tools in leak cases.

Overview

  • Agents searched Hannah Natanson’s Alexandria, Virginia, home on Wednesday and seized a phone, a Garmin watch, and two laptops, according to the Post.
  • Investigators told Natanson she is not a target as authorities seek information about potential sources tied to the alleged leaks.
  • Court filings say Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a Maryland system administrator with top-secret clearance, unlawfully retained national defense information, with documents found in his lunchbox and basement.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi said the leaker is in custody and publicly framed the search as part of efforts to stop illegal disclosures of classified material.
  • In April, Bondi rolled back prior limits on pursuing journalists’ records, a policy shift that press-freedom advocates say increases the threat to source confidentiality.