The FBI searched the home of a Washington Post reporter on Wednesday as part of an investigation into an alleged leak of classified Pentagon documents, raising fresh concerns about press freedom in the United States.
The reporter, Hannah Natanson, is not the main target of the investigation, according to The Washington Post. Federal agents seized several electronic devices from her home in Virginia during the search.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the search was linked to classified materials that investigators believe were improperly taken from government systems. She confirmed the action was requested by the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, and the FBI.
The investigation centers on Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a system administrator accused of accessing and removing intelligence reports using his top-secret security clearance. Bondi said Perez-Lugones is currently in custody.
The Washington Post reported that Natanson had contact with Perez-Lugones during her reporting, but officials have stated she is not accused of wrongdoing. The newspaper said it is closely monitoring the situation.
The search quickly drew criticism from media leaders and press advocates. Former Washington Post executive editor Marty Baron called the move “a clear and appalling sign” of aggression against an independent press, speaking to The Guardian.
Civil liberties groups warned the incident could have a chilling effect on investigative journalism, especially reporting related to national security and government oversight.
The story is still developing, and officials say more information may be released as the investigation continues.
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