On May 29, 2026, a federal judge unsealed records indicating that the Department of Justice (DOJ) attempted to obtain search warrants for journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, along with three protesters from a demonstration in St. Paul, Minnesota, last winter. The court rejected the search warrants on two occasions, with Magistrate Judge John Docherty stating that the DOJ did not meet basic legal standards. The judge also criticized the DOJ for not referencing a federal law that could have rendered some warrants illegal. Following these rejections, the DOJ withdrew its requests for the warrants.
Federal Judge Rejects DOJ Search Warrants Targeting Journalists
A federal judge has unsealed records showing that the Department of Justice attempted to secure search warrants against journalists and protesters, which were rejected by the court. The judge criticized the DOJ for failing to meet legal standards and for not mentioning a potentially relevant federal law before the warrants were withdrawn.
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Bias Analysis
Bias Indicators Removed
- ✕ blatant disregard for the constitution
- ✕ disturbing
Original vs. Neutral
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Federal Judge Rejects DOJ Search Warrants Targeting Journalists