CPJ joins 2 urgent calls for legal transparency following FBI search of WaPo journalist’s home

The Committee to Protect Journalists has joined two coalition efforts to express concern over the Wednesday search of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s home, during which the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seized her electronic devices in connection with a reported investigation into a government contractor’s handling of classified documents. 

In a joint statement led by the Free Press, 31 press freedom and civil liberties condemned the search and called for increased Congressional oversight, legislative action, and stronger press-freedom protections under law. The statement also raises concerns about the legal basis for invading Natanson’s home and seizing journalistic materials. CPJ has previously reported that such a search and seizure is exceedingly rare. 

A joint letter led by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and supported by CPJ calls upon U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel to halt all investigations in connection with Natanson’s reporting and return seized items until the legal basis for the search of her home can be clarified. Eighteen press freedom and media organizations signed the letter, along with 15 local SPJ chapters. 

Read the full joint statement led by the Free Press here and the full joint letter led by SPJ here.