Federal investigators executed a search warrant Wednesday at the Virginia home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson as part of an investigation into a government contractor accused of improperly handling classified information, according to a statement from the newspaper.
Natanson was at home at the time of the search, the Post reported, and agents searched both her residence and electronic devices. A warrant cited in the report said law enforcement is investigating Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a Maryland-based system administrator with top secret security clearance who is accused of illegally accessing and retaining classified government materials.
According to an FBI affidavit referenced by the Post, Perez-Lugones allegedly took classified intelligence reports home, with documents later found in his lunchbox and in the basement of his residence. At least one of the documents recovered was related to national defense, raising serious concerns about potential breaches of sensitive information.
Perez-Lugones is an American citizen born in Miami who currently lives in Laurel, Maryland, according to a criminal complaint. He has worked as a government contractor since 2002 and holds a top secret clearance, a level of access that places him among a small group entrusted with some of the nation’s most sensitive intelligence.
Natanson, whose X profile says she covers “the Trump administration’s reshaping of the government and its effects,” has reportedly been involved in some of the Washington Post’s most sensitive coverage during the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term. The newspaper said her phone and a Garmin watch were seized during the search.
The FBI’s action has drawn attention not only because it involves a journalist, but also because it underscores the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating allegations of mishandled classified material. While the Washington Post emphasized that Natanson is not accused of wrongdoing, the search highlights the expanding scope of the investigation into how classified documents may have been accessed, stored, or shared outside secure channels.
The Washington Post confirmed the search and said it is reviewing and monitoring the situation. A spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the paper is closely watching developments but did not provide further comment.
The FBI has not publicly detailed why Natanson’s home was searched or what investigators believe may be relevant to the case. However, the warrant indicates agents were seeking evidence connected to Perez-Lugones and his alleged retention of classified materials.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny over the handling of classified information across the federal government. The Trump administration has repeatedly stressed the importance of safeguarding national security materials and holding individuals accountable for violations, particularly when classified documents tied to national defense are involved.
Natanson’s role at the Washington Post places the episode squarely at the intersection of media and national security, an area that has long generated controversy and debate. The search also raises questions about how reporters interact with sources who may have access to sensitive government information and where investigators draw the line when pursuing potential crimes.
While details remain limited, the case is likely to fuel renewed discussion about classified leaks, press freedoms, and the responsibilities of both government employees and journalists. For now, federal authorities continue their probe into Perez-Lugones, while the Washington Post and Natanson await clarity on how the investigation will proceed and whether additional actions are forthcoming.
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