Case: In the Matter of the Search of the Real Property and Premises of Hannah Natanson

1:26-sw-00054 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Filed Date: Jan. 13, 2026

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This case concerns the government's seizure of the property of Hannah Natanson, a federal government reporter for the Washington Post. Shortly after the presidential inauguration, she developed almost 1,200 confidential sources drawn from federal employees at more than 120 agencies who requested anonymity out of fear of retribution. Those tips led her to write or co-write more than 200 articles. Around this time, the Trump Administration has engaged in a "concerted effort to expose leaks of all…

Around this time, the Trump Administration has engaged in a "concerted effort to expose leaks of all kinds," and that the investigations pursue two goals: stopping unauthorized disclosures and purging employees perceived as disloyal to the administration’s agenda. The Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have pursued their own investigations and have administered polygraph examinations to employees to identify leakers.

During an investigation of Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones on a charge of unlawfully retaining national defense information, the United States Attorney (AUSA) for the Eastern District of Virginia applied on an expedited basis for a search warrant seeking information the government believed Ms. Natanson possessed. The AUSA filed the application in this Court because Ms. Natanson lives in the Eastern District of Virginia. The affidavit in support of the search warrant cited Ms. Natanson’s first-person article.

Upon review of the article, the Court became concerned about both the scope of the proposed search warrant and the government’s apparent attempt to collect information about Ms. Natanson’s confidential sources. That evening, the Court rejected the government’s proposed search warrant and explained its concerns to the AUSA and the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the National Security Division. Late in the afternoon of January 13, 2026, the AUSA submitted another proposed search warrant, which the Court also rejected. Over the next five hours, the Court held multiple in-person and telephone conferences with the AUSA, who presented successive versions of the proposed warrant, until the Court ultimately approved a search warrant “limited to all records and information, including classified and/or national defense information, from the time period October 1, 2025, to the present, which constitute records received from or relating to Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones, as evidence of violations of 18 U.S.C. § 793.”

On January 14, 2026, the FBI executed the search warrant of Natanson's home. At or around the same time, the government issued a grand jury subpoena to the Washington Post requesting substantially the same information it sought with the search warrant served on Natanson. In a declaration, Natanson stated that, since the government seized her devices, her sources have gone silent, and she has been unable to gather information or publish stories.

In response, counsel for the Washington Post informed the government that it intended to seek judicial relief within 24 hours. Counsel asked the government not to review the seized material and to preserve the status quo until a court could address its arguments. The government refused and declined to take any position on a protocol to protect either the attorney-client or the First Amendment privileges. On January 21, 2026, Natanson and the Washington Post (hereinafter: Movants) moved to intervene in Perez-Lugones' case, requesting return of property and a standstill of the case while the parties briefed the issue. Magistrate Judge William B. Porter presided over the motion. That same day, Judge Porter granted Movants’ Motion for a Standstill Order and ordered the government to preserve but not review any of the seized materials.

After a hearing, Judge Porter issued an order on February 24, 2026, granting the motion to intervene and granting in part the motion for return of property, ordering the return of all non-responsive information while allowing retention of materials within the warrant's scope. Judge Porter determined that seizing a reporter's entire electronic work product constituted a First Amendment restraint in today's technological landscape. Additionally, the court rescinded the portion of the search warrant authorizing government review of the seized data and scheduled an independent judicial review process rather than permitting a government filter team to conduct the review.

The government filed a motion with objections to the trial court's order on March 10, arguing that this decision violated separation of powers and constitutional search warrant procedures. The government requested that the district court overrule the magistrate judge and authorize the government to search the devices using a filter team protocol instead. After a hearing on the matter, the Court modified the standstill order only to permit the Government to finish processing the seized material. The court further directed that the government "may not substantively review any data from the seized material," and that only CART members who are walled off from the prosecution, "with no connection to the underlying investigation may process the seized material." The government was directed to file reports with the court every Friday until the review of the seized material was complete.

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Jinan Abufarha (3/1/2026)

Maddy Ligon (4/15/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72161902/parties/in-the-matter-of-the-search-of-the-real-property-and-premises-of-hannah/

Attorney for Plaintiff

Borson, Joseph Evan (Virginia)

Dibblee, Christian (Virginia)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Anderson, Trisha (Virginia)

Douglass, Sean Michael (Virginia)

Gamse, Nicholas (Virginia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Borson, Joseph Evan (Virginia)

Dibblee, Christian (Virginia)

Kromberg, Gordon D. (Virginia)

Other

Anderson, Trisha (Virginia)

Douglass, Sean Michael (Virginia)

Gamse, Nicholas (Virginia)

Gassmann, Mara (Virginia)

Hentoff, Thomas Goodman (Virginia)

Jeffress, Dorothy Ames (Virginia)

Latcovich, Simon Andrew (Virginia)

Romero, Tobin Joe (Virginia)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

62 1:26-sw-00054	Memorandum Opinion and Order In the Matter of the Search of the Real Property and premises of Hannah Natanson	Feb. 24, 2026	Feb. 24, 2026 Order/Opinion 2026 WL 510727
74 1:26-sw-00054	Objections To Magistrate Judge’s Memorandum Opinion And Order On The Motion For Return Of Property	March 10, 2026	March 10, 2026 Pleading / Motion / Brief

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72161902/in-the-matter-of-the-search-of-the-real-property-and-premises-of-hannah/

Last updated July 28, 2026, 4:11 p.m.

Docket for: In the Matter of the Search of the Real Property and Premises of Hannah Natanson

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	Jan. 13, 2026	Application and Affidavit for a Search Warrant as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit)(pmil, ) (Main Document 1 replaced on 1/20/2026) (jlan). Modified text on 1/20/2026 (jlan) (Entered: 01/16/2026)	RECAP
2	Jan. 13, 2026	MOTION to Seal Affidavit by USA as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (pmil, ) (Main Document 2 replaced on 1/20/2026) (jlan). Modified text on 1/20/2026 (jlan) (Entered: 01/16/2026)	RECAP
3	Jan. 13, 2026	ORDER granting 2 Motion to Seal as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 01/13/2026. (pmil, ) (Main Document 3 replaced on 1/20/2026) (jlan, ). Modified text on 1/20/2026 (jlan) (Entered: 01/16/2026)	RECAP
4	Jan. 13, 2026	Search Warrant Issued in case as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA (Attachments: # 1 Transmittal Form)(pmil, ) Modified text on 1/20/2026 (jlan). (Entered: 01/16/2026)	RECAP
5	Jan. 15, 2026	Search Warrant Returned Executed on 01/14/2026 as to Sealed Defendant (pmil, ) (Main Document 5 replaced on 1/20/2026) (jlan). Modified text on 1/20/2026 (jlan) (Entered: 01/16/2026)	RECAP
6	Jan. 21, 2026	NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE: Sean Michael Douglass appearing for WP Company LLC (Douglass, Sean) Modified text on 1/21/2026 (jlan) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
7	Jan. 21, 2026	NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE: Simon Andrew Latcovich appearing for appearing for WP Company LLC (Latcovich, Simon) Modified text on 1/21/2026 (jlan) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
8	Jan. 21, 2026	MOTION to Intervene and for Return of Property by WP Company LLC and Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Latcovich, Simon) Modified text on 1/21/2026 (jlan) (Entered: 01/21/2026) 1 Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
9	Jan. 21, 2026	Memorandum in Support filed by WP Company LLC and Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA in re 8 MOTION to Intervene and for Return of Property. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Hannah Natanson, # 2 Declaration of Brett A. Roberson, # 3 Attachment 1, # 4 Declaration of Simon A. Latcovich, # 5 Exhibit A, # 6 Exhibit B, # 7 Exhibit C, # 8 Exhibit D, # 9 Exhibit E)(Latcovich, Simon) Modified text on 1/21/2026 (jlan) (Entered: 01/21/2026) 1 Declaration of Hannah Natanson View on RECAP 2 Declaration of Brett A. Roberson View on RECAP 3 Attachment 1 View on RECAP 4 Declaration of Simon A. Latcovich View on RECAP 5 Exhibit A View on RECAP 6 Exhibit B View on RECAP 7 Exhibit C View on RECAP 8 Exhibit D View on RECAP 9 Exhibit E View on RECAP	RECAP
10	Jan. 21, 2026	MOTION for Standstill Order and Expedited Briefing and Hearing in re 8 MOTION to Intervene and for Return of Property filed by WP Company LLC and Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Latcovich, Simon) Modified text on 1/21/2026 (jlan) (Entered: 01/21/2026) 1 Proposed Order View on RECAP	RECAP
11	Jan. 21, 2026	Memorandum in Support filed by WP Company LLC and Hannah Natanson as to 10 MOTION for Standstill Order and Expedited Briefing and Hearing in re 8 MOTION to Intervene and for Return of Property as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Latcovich, Simon) Modified text on 1/21/2026 (jlan) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
12	Jan. 21, 2026	Corporate Disclosure Statement filed by WP Company LLC as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Latcovich, Simon) Modified text on 1/21/2026 (jlan) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
13	Jan. 21, 2026	NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE: Dorothy Ames Jeffress appearing for Hannah Natanson. (Jeffress, Dorothy) Modified text on 1/21/2026 (jlan) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
14	Jan. 21, 2026	Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Nicholas G. Gamse and Certification of Local Counsel Sean M. Douglass (Filing fee $ 75 receipt number AVAEDC-10724746.) by WP Company LLC as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Douglass, Sean) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
15	Jan. 21, 2026	Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Thomas G. Hentoff and Certification of Local Counsel Sean M. Douglass (Filing fee $ 75 receipt number AVAEDC-10724826.) by WP Company LLC as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Douglass, Sean) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
16	Jan. 21, 2026	Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Tobin Joe Romero and Certification of Local Counsel Sean M. Douglass (Filing fee $ 75 receipt number AVAEDC-10724895.) by WP Company LLC as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Douglass, Sean) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
17	Jan. 21, 2026	Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Trisha Anderson and Certification of Local Counsel Amy Jeffress (Filing fee $ 75 receipt number AVAEDC-10724923.) by Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Jeffress, Dorothy) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
18	Jan. 21, 2026	1. The Court GRANTS the Motion for a Standstill Order. 2. The government must preserve but must not review any of the materials that law enforcement seized pursuant to search warrants the Court issued under case numbers 1:26-sw-52 (auto), 1:26-sw-53 (person), or 1:26-sw-54 (residence) until the Court authorizes review of the materials by further order. 3. The government must respond to the Motion to Intervene by 5:00 p.m. on January 28, 2026. Movants may file a reply in support of the Motion to Intervene by 5:00 p.m. on February 2, 2026. The Court SCHEDULES oral argument on the Motion to Intervene at 2:00 p.m. on February 6, 2026. Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 1/21/2026. (dzir) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
19	Jan. 21, 2026	ORDER granting 17 Motion for Pro hac vice. Appointed Trisha Anderson for Hannah Natanson. Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 1/21/2026. (kgall) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
20	Jan. 21, 2026	ORDER granting 14 Motion for Pro hac vice. Appointed Nicholas Gamse for WP Company LLC. Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 1/21/2026. (kgall) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
21	Jan. 21, 2026	ORDER granting 15 Motion for Pro hac vice. Appointed Thomas Goodman Hentoff for WP Company LLC. Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 1/21/2026. (kgall) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
22	Jan. 21, 2026	ORDER granting 16 Motion for Pro hac vice. Appointed Tobin Joe Romero for WP Company LLC. Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 1/21/2026. (kgall) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
23	Jan. 21, 2026	MOTION to Amend/Correct / Motion to Amend Case Caption by Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Jeffress, Dorothy) (Entered: 01/21/2026) 1 Proposed Order View on RECAP	RECAP
24	Jan. 21, 2026	Memorandum in Support by Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA re 23 MOTION to Amend/Correct / Motion to Amend Case Caption (Jeffress, Dorothy) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
25	Jan. 21, 2026	Consent MOTION to File Amicus Brief by Mara Gassmann. by The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Gassmann, Mara) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
26	Jan. 21, 2026	Memorandum by The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA Proposed Brief of Amicus Curiae (Gassmann, Mara) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
27	Jan. 21, 2026	Corporate Disclosure Statement by 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA (Gassmann, Mara) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
28	Jan. 21, 2026	NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE: Mara Gassmann appearing for 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA for Proposed Amicus Curiae the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (Gassmann, Mara) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
	Jan. 21, 2026	Set/Reset Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings
	Jan. 21, 2026	Motion Hearing set for 2/6/2026 at 02:00 PM in Alexandria Courtroom 400 before US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter as to 8 MOTION to Intervene and for Return of Property. (dzir)
29	Jan. 22, 2026	ORDERED that the 23 motion to amend case caption is GRANTED.The Clerk of Court is DIRECTED to amend the case caption in this matter so that it reads, "In the Matter of the Search of the Real Property and Premises of Hannah Natanson". Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 1/22/2026. (Dcrow, ) (Entered: 01/23/2026)	RECAP
30	Jan. 22, 2026	ORDERED as follows:1.The 25 Motion for Leave is GRANTED; and further,2.The proposed Brief of Amicus Curiae the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press be and is filed in the above-captioned action. Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 1/22/2026. (Dcrow, ) (Entered: 01/23/2026)	RECAP
31	Jan. 23, 2026	Consent MOTION FOR ENTRY OF A MODIFIED SCHEDULING ORDER re 18 Order,, by WP Company LLC as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 01/23/2026) 1 Proposed Order Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
32	Jan. 23, 2026	NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE Christian Dibblee appearing for USA. (Dibblee, Christian) (Entered: 01/23/2026)	RECAP
33	Jan. 24, 2026	ORDER granting 31 Consent Motion for Entry of a Modified Scheduling Order and modifies the briefing and hearing schedule as follows: (1) The government must respond to the Motion to Intervene by 5:00 p.m. on January 30, 2026. The Washington Post and Ms. Natanson may file a reply in support of the Motion to Intervene by 5:00 p.m. on February 6, 2026. The Court SCHEDULES oral argument on the Motion to Intervene at 2:00 p.m. on February 20, 2026. Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 01/24/2026. (jlan) (Entered: 01/24/2026)	RECAP
	Jan. 24, 2026	Set/Reset Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings
	Jan. 24, 2026	Motion Hearing reset for 2/20/2026 at 02:00 PM in Alexandria Courtroom 400 before Magistrate Judge William B. Porter as to 8 MOTION to Intervene and for Return of Property. (jlan)
34	Jan. 30, 2026	NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE Joseph Evan Borson appearing for USA. (Borson, Joseph) (Entered: 01/30/2026)	RECAP
35	Jan. 30, 2026	Reply to Motion by USA as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA re 10 MOTION for Standstill Order and Expedited Briefing and Hearing re 8 MOTION to Intervene and for Return of Property (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Decl. of Rozhavsky)(Borson, Joseph) (Entered: 01/30/2026) 1 Exhibit Decl. of Rozhavsky View on RECAP	RECAP
36	Jan. 30, 2026	NOTICE of Lodging of Classified Material by the United States by 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA (Borson, Joseph) (Entered: 01/30/2026)	RECAP
37	Jan. 30, 2026	Motion to Unseal Most of the Common Affidavit Submitted in Support of Applications for Warrants. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Proposed Order) (jlan) (Entered: 01/30/2026)	RECAP
38	Jan. 30, 2026	ORDERED that the redacted common affidavit submitted by the United States as Exhibit 2 to its Motion to Unseal in the above-captioned matters be and hereby is unsealed. Signed by Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 01/30/2026. (jlan) (Entered: 01/30/2026)	RECAP
39	Jan. 30, 2026	Redacted version of 1 Affidavit for a Search Warrant. (jlan) (Entered: 01/30/2026)	RECAP
40	Feb. 6, 2026	Reply to Motion by WP Company LLC, Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA re 8 MOTION to Intervene and for Return of Property (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit)(Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 02/06/2026) 1 Affidavit View on RECAP	RECAP
41	Feb. 6, 2026	AFFIDAVIT in Support by WP Company LLC, Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA re 8 MOTION to Intervene and for Return of Property (Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 02/06/2026)	RECAP
42	Feb. 19, 2026	ORDERED that the hearing set for Friday, February 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. will be held in Courtroom 900. Signed by Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 02/19/2026. (jlan) (Entered: 02/19/2026)	RECAP
43	Feb. 19, 2026	MOTION for Electronic Device Application by WP Company LLC as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 02/19/2026)	RECAP
44	Feb. 19, 2026	MOTION for Electronic Device Application by WP Company LLC as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 02/19/2026)	RECAP
45	Feb. 19, 2026	MOTION for Electronic Device Application by WP Company LLC as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 02/19/2026)	RECAP
46	Feb. 19, 2026	MOTION for Electronic Device Application by WP Company LLC as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 02/19/2026)	RECAP
47	Feb. 19, 2026	ORDER granting 43 Motion for Electronic Device Application as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 2/19/2026. (kgall) (Entered: 02/19/2026)	RECAP
48	Feb. 19, 2026	ORDER granting 44 Motion for Electronic Device Application as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA (1). Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 2/19/2026. (kgall) (Entered: 02/19/2026)	RECAP
49	Feb. 19, 2026	ORDER granting 45 Motion for Electronic Device Application as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA (1). Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 2/19/2026. (kgall) (Entered: 02/19/2026)	RECAP
50	Feb. 19, 2026	ORDER granting 46 Motion for Electronic Device Application as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA (1). Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 2/19/2026. (kgall) (Entered: 02/19/2026)	RECAP
51	Feb. 19, 2026	MOTION for Electronic Device Application by Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Jeffress, Dorothy) (Entered: 02/19/2026)	RECAP
52	Feb. 19, 2026	MOTION for Electronic Device Application by Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Jeffress, Dorothy) (Entered: 02/19/2026)	RECAP
53	Feb. 19, 2026	ORDER granting 51 Motion for Electronic Device Application as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA (1). Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 2/19/2026. (kgall) (Entered: 02/19/2026)	RECAP
54	Feb. 19, 2026	ORDER granting 52 Motion for Electronic Device Application as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA (1). Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 2/19/2026. (kgall) (Entered: 02/19/2026)	RECAP
55	Feb. 20, 2026	Minute Entry for proceedings held before US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter: Motion Hearing as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA held on 2/20/2026 re 8 MOTION to Intervene and for Return of Property filed by Hannah Natanson, WP Company LLC. Plaintiff appeared through Gordon Kromberg, Christian Dibblee and Joseph Borson. Defendant appeared through Simon Latcovich, Nicholas Gamse, Sean Douglass, Thomas Hentoff and Tobin Romero. The parties provided argument to the Court. Arguments taken under advisement. Matter continued. Motion Hearing set for 3/4/2026 at 02:00 PM in Alexandria Courtroom 400 before US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter. (Court Reporter Tonia Harris.)(Dcrow, ) (Entered: 02/20/2026)	RECAP
56	Feb. 20, 2026	NOTICE of Filing of Motion to Seal by USA as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA (Kromberg, Gordon) (Entered: 02/20/2026)	RECAP
57	Feb. 20, 2026	Memorandum by USA as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA re 56 Notice (Other) Accompanying Motion for an Order Providing Prospectively For Filing Documents Under Seal Pursuant to Local Rule 49(E) (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order to Seal)(Kromberg, Gordon) (Entered: 02/20/2026) 1 Proposed Order to Seal View on PACER	RECAP
59	Feb. 20, 2026	Under Seal Motion to Seal by USA (swil) (Entered: 02/23/2026)	RECAP
60	Feb. 20, 2026	Sealed Document (swil) (Entered: 02/23/2026)	RECAP
58	Feb. 23, 2026	NOTICE of Ex Parte Filing by USA as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA re 57 Memorandum, (Kromberg, Gordon) (Entered: 02/23/2026)	RECAP
61	Feb. 24, 2026	TRANSCRIPT of Proceedings held on 2-20-26, before Judge W. Porter. Court reporter/transcriber Tonia Harris, Telephone number 703-646-1438. NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS:The parties have thirty(30) calendar days to file with the Court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such Notice is filed, the transcript will be made remotely electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days. The policy is located on our website at www.vaed.uscourts.gov Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the court reporter/transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER Redaction Request due 3/26/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 4/27/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 5/26/2026.(harris, tonia) (Entered: 02/24/2026)	RECAP
62	Feb. 24, 2026	MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER that (1) The Court GRANTS the Motion to Intervene. (ECF No. 8.) (2) The Court GRANTS in part and DENIES in part the Motion for Return of Property. The Court GRANTS the motion as to all information outside the limited info rmation authorized by the search warrant. All non-responsive information on Movants' devices must be returned to Movants. The Court DENIES the motion with respect to the limited information authorized by the search warrant. The Court DENIES with out prejudice Movants' request for the return of the seized devices. That issue is reserved for future proceedings. (3) The portion of the search warrant authorizing the government to open, access, review, or otherwise examine any of Movants 9; seized data is RESCINDED. (4) The Standstill Order (ECF No. 18) remains in effect. (5) The Court will conduct an independent judicial review of the seized materials. The Court will develop a process for this review in consultation with counsel for the parties. (6) A status conference is scheduled for March 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., in Courtroom 400. Signed by Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 02/24/2026. (jlan)	Clearinghouse
	Feb. 24, 2026	Status Conference set for 3/4/2026 at 02:00 PM in Alexandria Courtroom 400 before Magistrate Judge William B. Porter. (jlan)
64	March 3, 2026	MOTION to Seal by WP Company LLC, Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 03/03/2026)	RECAP
65	March 3, 2026	NOTICE of Filing of Motion to Seal Pursuant to Local Rule 49(E) by 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA re 64 MOTION to Seal (Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 03/03/2026)	RECAP
66	March 3, 2026	Memorandum in Support by WP Company LLC, Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA re 64 MOTION to Seal (Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 03/03/2026)	RECAP
67	March 3, 2026	Sealed Response (pmil, ) (Entered: 03/03/2026)	RECAP
68	March 3, 2026	MOTION for Electronic Device Application by Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Jeffress, Dorothy) (Entered: 03/03/2026)	RECAP
69	March 3, 2026	MOTION for Electronic Device Application by Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Jeffress, Dorothy) (Entered: 03/03/2026)	RECAP
70	March 4, 2026	Minute Entry for proceedings held before US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter: Status Conference as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA held on 3/4/2026. Plaintiff appeared through Gordon Kromberg, Christian Dibblee and Tanner Kroger. Defendant appeared Ame Jeffress, Trisha Anderson, Simon Latcovich, Tobin Romero, James McLaughlin, Aaron Goetzl and Nicholas Gampse. The parties and the Court discussed the status of the case and the next steps to be taken. Order to follow. (Tape #FTR.) (Court Reporter Stephanie Austin.)(Dcrow, ) (Entered: 03/04/2026)	RECAP
71	March 4, 2026	ORDERS that (1) The Court appoints Jennifer H. Campbell, Supervisory Security Specialist, as the CISO in this case. (2) The Court appoints Daniel O. Hartenstine, Daniella M. Medel, Matthew W. Mullery, William S. Noble, Harry J. Rucker, and Winfield S. Scooter Slade as alternate CISOs in this case. Signed by Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 03/04/2026. (jlan) (Entered: 03/04/2026)	RECAP
72	March 4, 2026	ORDER - Consistent with the Court's discussion with counsel, the Court ORDERS the parties to file supplemental briefing on or before March 18, 2026. Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 3/4/2026. (kgall) (Entered: 03/04/2026)	RECAP
73	March 6, 2026	TRANSCRIPT of status conference held on 3-4-26, before Judge William B. Porter. Court reporter/transcriber Stephanie Austin, Telephone number 607-743-1894. NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS:The parties have thirty(30) calendar days to file with the Court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such Notice is filed, the transcript will be made remotely electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days. The policy is located on our website at www.vaed.uscourts.gov Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the court reporter/transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER Redaction Request due 4/6/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 5/6/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 6/4/2026.(Austin, Stephanie) (Entered: 03/06/2026)	RECAP
74	March 10, 2026	MOTION Objections to Magistrate Judge's Opinion and Order on the Motion for Return of Property re 62 Memorandum Opinion,,,, by USA as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Borson, Joseph) (Entered: 03/10/2026)	Clearinghouse
75	March 10, 2026	NOTICE of Objections to Magistrate Judge's Opinion and Order by 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA re 74 MOTION Objections to Magistrate Judge's Opinion and Order on the Motion for Return of Property re 62 Memorandum Opinion,,,, (Borson, Joseph) (Entered: 03/10/2026)	RECAP
76	March 12, 2026	ORDER that interested parties the WP Companies and Hannah Natanson provide any response to the 75 Objections by 03/18/2026 at 5:00 p.m. Signed by District Judge Anthony J Trenga on 03/12/26. (pmil, ) (Entered: 03/12/2026)	RECAP
77	March 13, 2026	Consent MOTION Entry of Modified Scheduling Order by WP Company LLC, Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 03/13/2026)	RECAP
78	March 14, 2026	Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Supplemental Brief by USA as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Borson, Joseph) (Entered: 03/14/2026)	RECAP
79	March 16, 2026	ORDER granting 78 Motion for Extension of Time to File Supplement Briefs. The Government and Movants must file a supplemental brief on or before March 25, 2026. Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 3/16/2026. (kgall) (Entered: 03/16/2026)	RECAP
80	March 16, 2026	ORDER in 77 Consent Motion for a Modified Scheduling Order. ORDERED that the Motion is GRANTED and Movants shall respond to the Government's Objections by March 25, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Signed by District Judge Anthony J Trenga on 3/16/2026. (kgall) (Entered: 03/16/2026)	RECAP
81	March 25, 2026	RESPONSE in Opposition by WP Company LLC, Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA re 74 MOTION Objections to Magistrate Judge's Opinion and Order on the Motion for Return of Property re 62 Memorandum Opinion,,,, (Redacted) (Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 03/25/2026)	RECAP
82	March 25, 2026	MOTION to Seal Response to Objections to Magistrate Judges Opinion and Order by WP Company LLC, Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 03/25/2026) 1 Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
83	March 25, 2026	NOTICE of Filing of Motion to Seal Pursuant to Local Rule 49(E) by 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA re 82 MOTION to Seal Response to Objections to Magistrate Judges Opinion and Order (Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 03/25/2026)	RECAP
84	March 25, 2026	Memorandum in Support by WP Company LLC, Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA re 82 MOTION to Seal Response to Objections to Magistrate Judges Opinion and Order (Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 03/25/2026)	RECAP
85	March 25, 2026	MOTION to Seal Supplemental Brief by WP Company LLC, Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 03/25/2026) 1 Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
86	March 25, 2026	NOTICE of Filing of Motion to Seal Pursuant to Local Rule 49(E) by 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA re 85 MOTION to Seal Supplemental Brief (Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 03/25/2026)	RECAP
87	March 25, 2026	Memorandum in Support by WP Company LLC, Hannah Natanson as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA re 85 MOTION to Seal Supplemental Brief (Latcovich, Simon) (Entered: 03/25/2026)	RECAP
88	March 25, 2026	RESPONSE by USA as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA re 79 Order on Motion for Extension Supplemental Brief (Borson, Joseph) (Entered: 03/25/2026)	RECAP
89	March 25, 2026	Sealed Response (pmil, ) (Entered: 03/26/2026)	RECAP
90	March 25, 2026	Sealed Supplemental Brief (pmil, ) (Entered: 03/26/2026)	RECAP
91	March 27, 2026	Consent MOTION to File Amicus Brief in Support of Movants' Response to Objections by Mara Gassmann. by The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. (Gassmann, Mara) (Entered: 03/27/2026)	RECAP
92	March 27, 2026	Memorandum by The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA Proposed Brief of Amicus Curiae in Support of Movants' Response to Objections (Gassmann, Mara) (Entered: 03/27/2026)	RECAP
93	March 30, 2026	ORDER that The Reporters Committee for Freedom of Press's 91 Unopposed Motion to File An Amicus Curiae Brief is GRANTED. Signed by District Judge Anthony J Trenga on 03/30/26. (pmil, ) (Entered: 03/30/2026)	RECAP
94	March 31, 2026	Reply to Motion by USA as to 313 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA re 74 MOTION Objections to Magistrate Judge's Opinion and Order on the Motion for Return of Property re 62 Memorandum Opinion,,,, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Jan 27 2026 Ltr from Latcovich to Hanlon)(Borson, Joseph) (Entered: 03/31/2026) 1 Exhibit 1 - Jan 27 2026 Ltr from Latcovich to Hanlon View on PACER	RECAP
95	April 1, 2026	ORDERED the Court will hold a hearing on the Government's Objections to the Magistrate Judge's Opinion and Order [Doc. No. 75] on April 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 900. Signed by District Judge Anthony J. Trenga on 4/1/2026. Motion Hearing set for 4/9/2026 at 10:00 AM in Alexandria Courtroom 900 before District Judge Anthony J. Trenga. (dzir) (Entered: 04/01/2026)	RECAP
96	April 1, 2026	ORDER - The Court, on its own initiative, sets a status conference for April 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. or as soon thereafter as the parties have completed their hearing with the Honorable Anthony J. Trenga. Counsel for the parties must be prepared to discuss their supplemental filings and the Courts review of documents seized from Ms. Natanson. Signed by US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter on 4/1/2026. (Dcrow, ) (Entered: 04/01/2026)	RECAP

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Virginia

Case Type(s):

Privacy

Key Dates

Filing Date: Jan. 13, 2026

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The plaintiff in this case is the Department of Justice. Washington Post Reporter, Hannah Natanson, intervened.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Case Details

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of Virginia 1:26-sw-00054

Special Case Type(s):

Warrant or subpoena application (or protection)

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Sought:

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Issues

General/Misc.:

Other

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of In the Matter of the Search of the Real Property and Premises of Hannah Natanson, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/47857/ (last updated 4/15/2026).