CRIME & LAW

FBI Searches Home of Washington Post Reporter

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Left 14%

Center 57%

Right 29%

Sources: 11

60-Second Summary

Washington, FBI agents searched the Virginia home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson on Wednesday as part of an investigation tied to a Pentagon contractor accused of removing classified intelligence reports. Authorities seized Natanson’s phone, work and personal laptops and a Garmin watch. Prosecutors have charged system administrator Aurelio Perez-Lugones in connection with alleged retention of national defense information; he is in custody. The Justice Department and Attorney General released limited comments; The Post said Natanson and the paper are not targets. First Amendment groups expressed concern about press protections. Based on 8 articles reviewed and supporting research.

About this summary

This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 7 original reports from 2 News Nevada, The Star, AP NEWS, PBS.org, The Straits Times, New York Post and Deseret News.

Timeline of Events

Early January: Authorities investigate alleged removal of classified reports by a Pentagon contractor.
Early January: Prosecutors file charges against Aurelio Perez-Lugones for unlawful retention of national defense information.
Jan. 14: FBI executes a search warrant at Hannah Natanson’s Virginia home and seizes electronic devices.
Jan. 14: Attorney General Pam Bondi confirms the search and links it to a Pentagon-related leak investigation.
Mid-Jan.: Washington Post says reporter and paper are not targets; press groups voice First Amendment concerns.