FBI agents searched the Virginia home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson on Wednesday morning and seized a phone, two laptops—including one issued by the newspaper—and a Garmin watch, according to the Post. Investigators told Natanson the warrant was connected to an ongoing investigation involving Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a government contractor charged last week in federal court in Maryland with alleged unlawful retention of national defense information.
The reporter told she is not the target
Natanson, who covers the federal workforce, was informed by investigators that she is not the focus of the probe, the newspaper reported. Media previously cited a Justice Department official saying Perez-Lugones allegedly communicated with the reporter on his mobile device and shared classified information via chat; authorities also allegedly found classified documents when searching his home and car, according to an FBI affidavit dated Jan. 9.
Allegations involve the handling of classified material
According to the affidavit, Perez-Lugones allegedly searched for classified information without authorization, including a top-secret report related to an unspecified foreign country, and removed classified material from a secure compartmented information facility (SCIF). He is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Baltimore on Thursday, according to the court calendar.
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Officials defend action; press groups warn of escalation
The FBI did not respond to media requests for comment about the search. FBI Director Kash Patel said on social media that the FBI executed a search warrant involving an individual at the Washington Post in connection with the alleged obtaining and reporting of classified, sensitive military information from a contractor, and said the alleged leaker is in custody. Attorney General Pam Bondi also defended the action online, saying the administration will not tolerate illegal leaks of classified information that pose national security risks.
The search drew criticism from press advocacy groups. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press called physical searches and seizures involving journalists among the most invasive steps law enforcement can take. At the same time, the National Press Club said such actions are extraordinarily rare and should concern anyone who values an independent press.
Sources:
The Washington Post / FBI executes search warrant at Washington Post reporter’s home
Reuters / FBI searches home of Washington Post reporter, US attorney general says
