Judge Blocks FBI From Reviewing Washington Post Reporter’s Seized Devices
Judge ordered preservation but no review of devices seized from Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson in a leak probe; court arguments are scheduled Feb. 6.
Overview
U.S. Magistrate Judge William Porter ordered the government to preserve but not review electronic devices seized from Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson's Virginia home.
Porter granted a temporary standstill after The Post sought return of six devices and an expedited briefing; the government must reply by Jan. 28, with a hearing Feb. 6.
FBI agents seized two phones, two laptops, a recorder, a 1TB hard drive and a Garmin watch while probing contractor Aurelio Perez-Lugones for alleged retention of classified documents.
The Post argued the seizure swept in vast, First Amendment-protected reporting materials, including emails, notes, recordings and encrypted Signal messages from more than 1,100 sources.
Press-advocacy groups called the raid unprecedented and chilling; legal advocates urged protections and suggested subpoenas as a narrower alternative to a broad search.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present the story with a pro–press framing by foregrounding the Post’s legal and First Amendment claims and press‑freedom advocates’ warnings, while including government statements but with less prominence. Editorial choices—lead placement of the Post’s motion, repeated emphasis on potential chilling effects, and selection of history/context—shape a rights-focused narrative.
Sources (13)
FAQ
FBI agents seized two phones, two laptops, a recorder, a 1TB hard drive, and a Garmin watch from her Virginia home.
U.S. Magistrate Judge William Porter ordered preservation but no review of the devices after The Washington Post sought their return, arguing the seizure included vast First Amendment-protected reporting materials from over 1,100 sources.
Aurelio Perez-Lugones is a government contractor with top-secret clearance accused of retaining and removing classified documents, including printing 'SECRET' labeled reports from his office.
Hannah Natanson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist (2022 for January 6 coverage) renowned for federal government reporting, including on the Trump administration's federal workforce efforts, and known as the 'federal government whisperer' for her source network.
The government must reply by January 28, with court arguments scheduled for February 6.
History
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