The FBI executed a search warrant at Natanson's residence last week, seizing both her work and personal devices. Natanson is not the subject of the investigation, which centers on alleged leaks by a Pentagon contractor.

The Washington Post filed a motion seeking the return of the reporter's property, along with a separate motion for a standstill order to prevent review of the seized devices until the court rules on their return. According to a Post court filing, "Almost none of the seized data is even potentially responsive to the warrant, which seeks only records received from or relating to a single government contractor." The filing further argued that the seized data includes First Amendment-protected material.

The government has not yet publicly commented on the specifics of the case beyond confirming the existence of an ongoing investigation into the alleged leaks. Legal experts suggest the case raises significant questions about the balance between national security interests and the protection of journalistic freedom. The central legal question is whether the search warrant was overly broad and whether it adequately protected Natanson's ability to report on matters of public interest.

Further proceedings will be held to determine whether the search can resume or whether the government must return the devices. The court's decision will likely have implications for future investigations involving journalists and the handling of potentially privileged information.