Federal Judge Limits Justice Department's Access to Reporter’s Seized Devices

A federal judge has ruled that the Justice Department cannot search devices seized from Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson during an investigation into leaked classified documents. This decision comes after the judge expressed concerns about the potential for an unlawful general search warrant, emphasizing the need to protect unrelated information. Natanson is not under investigation herself, but her communications with a charged government contractor led to the warrant. The judge will personally review the seized materials to ensure compliance with legal standards, highlighting the ongoing tension between press freedom and national security.

Key Details: • Judge William Porter ruled against the Justice Department's search of reporter's devices. • Natanson is not under investigation; her communications with contractor Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones prompted the warrant. • The judge will conduct the review of the seized devices to filter relevant information.