Federal Judge in Virginia Blocks Justice Department from Examining Reporter's Seized Devices

A federal judge in Virginia has ruled that the Justice Department remains blocked from examining electronic devices seized from reporter Hannah Natanson. The decision, issued on Monday by U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga, prevents the department from sifting through a phone, computers, and other devices.

These items were seized by the FBI in January as part of an investigation into a government contractor accused of leaking classified material. The ruling upholds protections for the reporter's materials in the context of the ongoing probe.

Background on the Case This is the second time a court in the Eastern District of Virginia has rejected the Justice Department's attempts to access the seized devices. The initial seizure occurred during the leak investigation, which targeted the contractor's alleged disclosure of classified information.

Officials had sought to review the data for evidence related to the case, but the courts have consistently denied those requests. The reporter was not accused of wrongdoing, according to details from the proceedings. The devices included personal and professional items, raising concerns about press protections under federal law.

The investigation began earlier this year, with the FBI acting on information about the contractor's activities.

The ruling reinforces limits on government access to journalists' materials in leak investigations. It follows a similar decision in the same district, where judges have prioritized safeguards for reporting sources. No further appeals were mentioned in the immediate aftermath of the ruling, but the Justice Department could pursue additional legal options.

Stakeholders affected include journalists, government contractors, and federal investigators. Next steps may involve the return of the devices or further court hearings to resolve the matter.