Federal law enforcement agencies have confirmed a major escalation in a national security investigation involving the alleged leak of classified military intelligence — an inquiry that has now reached the newsroom of The Washington Post.
FBI Director Kash Patel said agents executed a court-approved search warrant at the home of a Post reporter after investigators uncovered evidence that sensitive defense information had been improperly shared by a government contractor and published by the media.
FBI: Classified Military Information Was Illegally Disclosed
In a statement posted on X, Patel said authorities acted after determining that classified military intelligence originating from a Pentagon-linked contractor had been unlawfully transmitted, potentially putting U.S. military personnel at risk.
Patel confirmed that the suspected source of the leak has already been arrested and remains in federal custody. He added that the investigation is ongoing and declined to provide further details.
Federal Agents Search Home of Washington Post Reporter
Early Tuesday morning, federal agents searched the Alexandria, Virginia, residence of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson. Authorities seized several electronic devices, including two laptops — one personal and one issued by the newspaper — along with her phone and a smartwatch.
When contacted by the newspaper, a man who answered the door at the residence declined to comment.
Natanson covers federal agencies and civil service policy and has published several recent articles examining the Trump administration’s efforts to restructure the federal workforce and reduce government bureaucracy.
Attorney General Calls Leak a “Grave National Security Breach”
Attorney General Pam Bondi later confirmed the operation, describing the case as a serious threat to national security. In a statement released Wednesday evening, Bondi said the Justice Department and FBI acted at the request of the Department of War.
Bondi emphasized that the administration would aggressively pursue cases involving the unauthorized disclosure of classified defense information, stating that such leaks endanger both U.S. national security and active-duty service members.
Pentagon Contractor Identified as Alleged Source of Leak
Federal officials identified the alleged leaker as Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a 41-year-old systems administrator from Maryland who held top-secret security clearance. Perez-Lugones worked for a defense subcontractor based in Annapolis Junction, an area known for its concentration of intelligence and defense operations.
According to court records, Perez-Lugones accessed restricted government databases in October 2025 and obtained classified intelligence related to a foreign country. Investigators allege he copied or photographed the material and later reviewed additional classified content in early January.
Classified Documents Recovered During FBI Search
During a January 8 search of Perez-Lugones’ home in Laurel, Maryland, FBI agents recovered multiple documents marked “SECRET,” including materials tied to national defense. The findings were detailed in an affidavit filed by FBI Special Agent Keith Starr.
Perez-Lugones has been charged with unlawful retention of national defense information, a felony offense carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
Prosecutors Seek Continued Detention
Federal prosecutors are urging the court to keep Perez-Lugones detained pending trial, arguing that he continues to pose a threat to national security. In a recent filing, prosecutors noted that while physical documents were recovered, authorities cannot control what classified knowledge remains in the defendant’s possession.
A federal judge is expected to rule later this week on whether Perez-Lugones will remain in custody. His defense attorneys have not commented publicly.
Washington Post Responds to Raid
The Washington Post confirmed the search of its reporter’s home and the seizure of work-related equipment. A spokesperson said the newspaper is seeking additional information from federal authorities and expressed concern about the implications for press freedom.
“We are deeply concerned whenever journalists are subjected to law enforcement actions connected to their reporting,” the spokesperson said.
One of the Most Aggressive Leak Investigations in Years
The case represents one of the most assertive leak investigations in recent memory and signals the Trump administration’s intention to strictly enforce laws governing the handling and disclosure of classified information.
As the investigation continues, the case is expected to reignite debate over national security, press freedom, and the boundaries between investigative journalism and classified intelligence.
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