Incident Database

Reporter John Sepulvado subpoenaed to testify in Bundy occupation trial

Incident Details

Date of Incident: February 16, 2017
Location: Portland, Oregon
Targets: John Sepulvado (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Feb. 16, 2017: Pending

Feb. 21, 2017: Objected to

Feb. 24, 2017: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Puerto Rico Department of Justice executes search warrant against three student media outlets

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 5, 2017
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Targets: Centro de Comunicación Estudiantil, Pulso Estudiantil, UPR Dialogue

Legal Orders →: warrant for communications or work product

May. 5, 2017: Pending

May. 6, 2017: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Third-party: Facebook (other)
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

South Dakota state prosecutor subpoenas journalist

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 8, 2017
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Targets: Dana Ferguson (Argus Leader Media)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

May. 8, 2017: Pending

May. 15, 2017: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Journal & Topics editor Todd Wessell subpoenaed to reveal source

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 2017
Location: Des Plaines, Illinois
Targets: Todd Wessell (Journal & Topics)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for testimony about confidential source

May. 20, 2017: Pending

Aug. 16, 2017: Objected to

Dec. 6, 2017: Upheld

Feb. 21, 2018: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Police subpoena journalist's cellphone during leak investigation

Incident Details

Date of Incident: July 27, 2017
Location: Laredo, Texas
Case number: 5:19-cv-00048
Targets: Priscilla Villarreal (Independent)
Case Status: Appealed
Type of case: Civil

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jul. 27, 2017: Pending

Aug. 22, 2017: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Third-party: AT&T (telecom company)
Legal Order Venue →: State

Second subpoena issued for independent journalist’s phone records

Incident Details

Date of Incident: September 14, 2017
Location: Laredo, Texas
Case number: 5:19-cv-00048
Targets: Priscilla Villarreal (Independent)
Case Status: Appealed
Type of case: Civil

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Sep. 14, 2017: Pending

Unknown date: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Third-party: AT&T (telecom company)
Legal Order Venue →: State

Third subpoena issued for independent journalist’s phone records

Incident Details

Date of Incident: September 28, 2017
Location: Laredo, Texas
Case number: 5:19-cv-00048
Targets: Priscilla Villarreal (Independent)
Case Status: Appealed
Type of case: Civil

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Sep. 28, 2017: Pending

Unknown date: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Third-party: AT&T (telecom company)
Legal Order Venue →: State

Fourth subpoena issued for independent journalist’s phone records

Incident Details

Date of Incident: October 6, 2017
Location: Laredo, Texas
Case number: 5:19-cv-00048
Targets: Priscilla Villarreal (Independent)
Case Status: Appealed
Type of case: Civil

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Oct. 6, 2017: Pending

Unknown date: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Third-party: AT&T (telecom company)
Legal Order Venue →: State

Journalist Jamie Kalven subpoenaed to testify in Laquan McDonald murder case

Incident Details

Updated On: February 7, 2018
Date of Incident: October 16, 2017
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Targets: Jamie Kalven

Legal Orders →: subpoena for testimony about confidential source

Oct. 16, 2017: Pending

Oct. 17, 2017: Ignored

Nov. 3, 2017: Objected to

Dec. 13, 2017: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

San Diego County subpoenas journalist Kelly Davis

Incident Details

Date of Incident: November 9, 2017
Location: San Diego, California
Targets: Kelly Davis

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Nov. 9, 2017: Pending

Dec. 4, 2017: Objected to

Feb. 2, 2018: Quashed

subpoena for other testimony

Nov. 9, 2017: Pending

Dec. 4, 2017: Objected to

Feb. 2, 2018: Quashed

Motion to compel for other testimony

Jan. 3, 2018: Pending

Jan. 19, 2018: Objected to

Feb. 2, 2018: Quashed

Motion to compel for communications or work product

Jan. 3, 2018: Pending

Jan. 19, 2018: Objected to

Feb. 2, 2018: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Citizen journalist arrested for publishing information before local police

Incident Details

Updated On: November 1, 2021
Date of Incident: December 13, 2017
Location: Laredo, Texas
Case number: 5:19-cv-00048
Targets: Priscilla Villarreal (Independent)
Case Status: Appealed
Type of case: Civil

Arrest Status →: Arrested and released
Arresting Authority →: Laredo Police Department
Charges →: Misuse of official information

Dec. 13, 2017: Charges pending

Mar. 28, 2018: Charges dropped
Unnecessary use of force? →: No

Legal Orders →: warrant for communications or work product

Dec. 5, 2017: Pending

Dec. 13, 2017: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Berkeleyside reporter Emilie Raguso subpoenaed to testify in criminal trial

Incident Details

Date of Incident: December 2017
Location: Berkeley, California
Targets: Emilie Raguso (Berkeleyside)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Dec. 15, 2017: Pending

Dec. 27, 2017: Objected to

Jan. 2, 2018: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Documentary journalist William Erb subpoenaed to testify before grand jury

Incident Details

Updated On: February 6, 2018
Date of Incident: January 17, 2018
Location: Los Angeles, California
Targets: William Erb (eOne)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Jan. 17, 2018: Pending

Jan. 26, 2018: Unknown
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Subpoena for WCAX-TV footage of police shooting quashed; decision unsealed more than a year later

Incident Details

Date of Incident: January 17, 2018
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Targets: WCAX-TV

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jan. 17, 2018: Pending

Jan. 26, 2018: Objected to

Feb. 16, 2018: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

Documentary journalist Nora Donaghy subpoenaed to testify before grand jury

Incident Details

Updated On: February 6, 2018
Date of Incident: January 18, 2018
Location: Los Angeles, California
Targets: Nora Donaghy (eOne)

Legal Orders →: warrant for communications or work product

Jan. 18, 2018: Pending

Jan. 18, 2018: Carried out

subpoena for other testimony

Jan. 17, 2018: Pending

Jan. 26, 2018: Unknown
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Equipment Seized →: Cellphone, 1
Status of Seized Equipment →: Returned in full
Search Warrant Obtained →: Yes
Actor who seized equipment →: Law enforcement

Chicago Tribune subpoenaed in Laquan McDonald murder case

Incident Details

Date of Incident: January 29, 2018
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Targets: Chicago Tribune

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jan. 29, 2018: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

Chicago Sun-Times subpoenaed in Laquan McDonald murder case

Incident Details

Date of Incident: January 29, 2018
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Targets: Chicago Sun-Times

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jan. 29, 2018: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

Daily Herald subpoenaed in Laquan McDonald murder case

Incident Details

Date of Incident: January 29, 2018
Location: Arlington Heights, Illinois
Targets: Daily Herald

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jan. 29, 2018: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

New Hampshire prosecutor demands newspaper hand over unpublished interview

Incident Details

Updated On: April 3, 2018
Date of Incident: January 29, 2018
Location: Dover, New Hampshire
Targets: Brian Early (Foster's Daily Democrat)

Legal Orders →: Motion to compel for communications or work product

Jan. 29, 2018: Upheld

Feb. 7, 2018: Objected to

Apr. 3, 2018: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

KGTV journalist subpoenaed to testify about car accident he witnessed

Incident Details

Date of Incident: February 13, 2018
Location: San Diego, California
Targets: Paul Anderegg (KGTV 10News)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Feb. 13, 2018: Pending

Feb. 14, 2018: Objected to

Mar. 29, 2018: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

DOJ secretly seizes phone and email records belonging to New York Times reporter Ali Watkins

Incident Details

Updated On: June 13, 2018
Date of Incident: February 13, 2018
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Ali Watkins (The New York Times)

Legal Orders →: other for communications or work product

Feb. 13, 2018: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Third-party: Google (tech company)
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Freelance journalist subpoenaed by financial firm that he wrote about

Incident Details

Date of Incident: February 14, 2018
Location: Portland, Oregon
Targets: Arun Gupta (The Nation)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Feb. 14, 2018: Pending

Feb. 28, 2018: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Virginian-Pilot reporter subpoenaed to testify in councilman's forgery trial

Incident Details

Updated On: June 25, 2018
Date of Incident: March 1, 2018
Location: Portsmouth, Virginia
Targets: Scott Daugherty (Virginian-Pilot)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Mar. 1, 2018: Pending

Mar. 20, 2018: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Journalist Samantha Baars subpoenaed to testify in Jason Kessler trial

Incident Details

Date of Incident: March 12, 2018
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Targets: Samantha Baars (C-VILLE Weekly)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Mar. 12, 2018: Pending

Mar. 19, 2018: Objected to

Mar. 20, 2018: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Republican fundraiser subpoenas AP for documents related to anonymous sources

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 16, 2018
Location: New York, New York
Targets: The Associated Press

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

May. 16, 2018: Pending

subpoena for communications or work product

May. 16, 2018: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Former University of Arizona coach convicted of assault subpoenas reporter who covered his case

Incident Details

Updated On: July 2, 2018
Date of Incident: May 16, 2018
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Targets: Caitlin Schmidt (Arizona Daily Star)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

May. 16, 2018: Pending

Jun. 5, 2018: Carried out

Jul. 20, 2018: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Press-Enterprise reporters subpoenaed to testify in Pennsylvania murder trial

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 22, 2018
Location: Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Targets: John-Erik Koslosky (Press Enterprise), Kristin Baver (Press Enterprise)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

May. 22, 2018: Pending

May. 23, 2018: Objected to

May. 24, 2018: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

The Daily Item reporter Francis Scarcella subpoenaed to testify in Pennsylvania murder trial

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 22, 2018
Location: Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Targets: Francis Scarcella (The Daily Item)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

May. 22, 2018: Pending

May. 23, 2018: Objected to

May. 24, 2018: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Oberlin College subpoenas local newspaper editor in defamation suit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 30, 2018
Location: Oberlin, Ohio
Targets: Jason Hawk (Oberlin News Tribune)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for testimony about confidential source

May. 30, 2018: Pending

Jun. 22, 2018: Upheld
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Twitter subpoenaed for information of journalists, media outlets

Incident Details

Updated On: March 29, 2021
Date of Incident: June 6, 2018
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Cassandra Fairbanks (Gateway Pundit), Matt Couch (America First Media Group), Julian Assange (WikiLeaks), America First Media Group, Gateway Pundit, The Washington Times, WikiLeaks

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jun. 6, 2018: Pending

Mar. 29, 2021: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

New York Times reporter subpoenaed to testify in murder trial

Incident Details

Date of Incident: June 27, 2018
Location: New York, New York
Targets: Frances Robles (The New York Times)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Jan. 1, 2016: Pending

Jan. 1, 2016: Objected to

Apr. 23, 2016: Quashed

Jun. 27, 2018: Upheld

subpoena for communications or work product

Jan. 1, 2016: Pending

Jan. 1, 2016: Objected to

Apr. 23, 2016: Quashed

Jun. 27, 2018: Upheld
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Federal judge quashes subpoena of Indiana newspaper’s communications

Incident Details

Date of Incident: June 27, 2018
Location: Elkhart, Indiana
Targets: South Bend Tribune

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jun. 27, 2018: Pending

Jul. 26, 2018: Objected to

Feb. 26, 2019: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Oberlin College subpoenas legal blogger for communications with source

Incident Details

Date of Incident: July 3, 2018
Location: Syracuse, New York
Targets: Legal Insurrection

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jun. 7, 2018: Pending

Jun. 8, 2018: Objected to

Unknown date: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

Grand jury subpoenas independent journalist for video footage of DC protest

Incident Details

Date of Incident: September 4, 2018
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Luke Kuhn (It's Going Down)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Sep. 4, 2018: Pending

Sep. 11, 2018: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

ICE subpoenas law journal editor who published copy of leaked ICE memo

Incident Details

Updated On: February 20, 2020
Date of Incident: October 16, 2018
Location: Fairfax, Virginia
Targets: Daniel Kowalski (Bender's Immigration Bulletin)

Legal Orders →: other for communications or work product

Oct. 16, 2018: Pending

Feb. 20, 2020: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Journalist Jamie Kalven subpoenaed to testify in police officer trial

Incident Details

Updated On: November 28, 2018
Date of Incident: November 16, 2018
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Targets: Jamie Kalven

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Nov. 16, 2018: Pending

Nov. 27, 2018: Objected to

Nov. 28, 2018: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Judge quashes subpoena of New York Post reporter

Incident Details

Date of Incident: January 7, 2019
Location: New York, New York
Targets: Susan Edelman (New York Post)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Jan. 7, 2019: Pending

Jun. 4, 2019: Objected to

Aug. 9, 2019: Quashed

Aug. 19, 2019: Objected to

Nov. 12, 2019: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Subpoena issued for contents of Illinois government watchdog’s Dropbox account

Incident Details

Date of Incident: January 23, 2019
Location: Algonquin Township, Illinois
Targets: Edgar County Watchdogs

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jan. 23, 2019: Pending

Feb. 8, 2019: Objected to

Feb. 11, 2019: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

Journalist subpoenaed for reporting materials by Jason Miller, Trump’s former adviser

Incident Details

Updated On: August 27, 2019
Date of Incident: February 4, 2019
Location: Miami, Florida
Targets: J. Arthur Bloom

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Feb. 4, 2019: Pending

Aug. 27, 2019: Ignored
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Subpoena issued for Illinois-based government watchdog’s communications

Incident Details

Date of Incident: February 19, 2019
Location: Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Targets: Edgar County Watchdogs

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Feb. 19, 2019: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

New Yorker staff writer subpoenaed for 'all documents' around 2014 article

Incident Details

Date of Incident: February 22, 2019
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Targets: Nicholas Schmidle (The New Yorker)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Feb. 22, 2019: Pending

Nov. 8, 2019: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Second subpoena issued for content of Illinois watchdog’s Dropbox account

Incident Details

Updated On: July 10, 2019
Date of Incident: February 22, 2019
Location: Algonquin Township, Illinois
Targets: Edgar County Watchdogs

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Feb. 22, 2019: Pending

Sep. 23, 2019: Objected to

Jul. 10, 2019: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Third-party: Dropbox (tech company)
Legal Order Venue →: State

Pennsylvania judge denies energy company’s subpoena of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette staff

Incident Details

Date of Incident: February 25, 2019
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Targets: Don Hopey (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Feb. 25, 2019: Pending

Mar. 11, 2019: Objected to

May. 3, 2019: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Judge quashes energy company’s subpoena of former Post-Gazette managing editor

Incident Details

Date of Incident: February 25, 2019
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Targets: Sally Stapleton (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Feb. 25, 2019: Pending

Mar. 11, 2019: Objected to

May. 3, 2019: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Judge quashes energy company’s subpoena of Post-Gazette reporter, staff

Incident Details

Date of Incident: February 25, 2019
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Targets: David Templeton (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Feb. 25, 2019: Pending

Mar. 11, 2019: Objected to

May. 3, 2019: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

San Francisco police seize multiple phone records of independent journalist Bryan Carmody

Incident Details

Updated On: May 26, 2020
Date of Incident: March 1, 2019
Location: San Francisco, California
Targets: Bryan Carmody (North Bay News)

Legal Orders →: warrant for communications or work product

May. 9, 2019: Pending

May. 10, 2019: Carried out

May. 16, 2019: Objected to

Aug. 2, 2019: Quashed

warrant for communications or work product

May. 10, 2019: Pending

May. 10, 2019: Carried out

May. 16, 2019: Objected to

Aug. 2, 2019: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Third-party: Verizon, AT&T (telecom company)
Legal Order Venue →: State

Nevada judge orders online journalist to reveal sources, says not protected by shield law

Incident Details

Updated On: June 15, 2020
Date of Incident: March 4, 2019
Location: Carson City, Nevada
Targets: Sam Toll (The Storey Teller)

Legal Orders →: Motion to compel for testimony about confidential source

Mar. 4, 2019: Upheld

Mar. 18, 2019: Objected to

Mar. 19, 2020: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

New York County Supreme Court judge quashes subpoena for HBO documentary outtakes

Incident Details

Date of Incident: March 27, 2019
Location: New York, New York
Targets: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (HBO)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Mar. 27, 2019: Pending

Mar. 28, 2019: Objected to

Jun. 5, 2019: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Harvard Crimson reporter subpoenaed for reporting materials, testimony in defamation suit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: April 10, 2019
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Targets: Shera Avi-Yonah (The Harvard Crimson)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Apr. 10, 2019: Pending

subpoena for communications or work product

Apr. 10, 2019: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

San Francisco police use search warrant to raid home, office of independent journalist

Incident Details

Updated On: May 26, 2020
Date of Incident: May 10, 2019
Location: San Francisco, California
Targets: Bryan Carmody (North Bay News)

Equipment Seized →: Camera, 2

Cellphone, 12

Computer, 11

Storage device, 11

Work product, 3
Status of Seized Equipment →: Returned in full
Search Warrant Obtained →: Yes
Actor who seized equipment →: Law enforcement

Arrest Status →: Detained and released without being processed
Arresting Authority →: San Francisco Police Department
Unnecessary use of force? →: No

Legal Orders →: warrant for communications or work product

Mar. 1, 2019: Pending

Mar. 24, 2019: Carried out

May. 30, 2019: Objected to

Jul. 18, 2019: Quashed

warrant for communications or work product

Mar. 16, 2019: Pending

May. 29, 2019: Carried out

May. 30, 2019: Objected to

Aug. 20, 2019: Quashed

warrant for testimony about confidential source

Apr. 16, 2019: Pending

May. 29, 2019: Carried out

May. 30, 2019: Objected to

Aug. 2, 2019: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Student newspaper subpoenaed for documents and reporting materials as part of $100 million dispute

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 17, 2019
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Targets: The Chicago Maroon

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

May. 19, 2019: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Student journalist subpoenaed for documents and reporting materials as part of dispute between university, foundation

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 22, 2019
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Targets: Euirim Choi (The Chicago Maroon)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

May. 22, 2019: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

BuzzFeed receives first subpoena in ongoing Unsworth-Musk defamation lawsuit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: June 14, 2019
Location: San Francisco, California
Targets: BuzzFeed News

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jun. 14, 2019: Pending

Apr. 6, 2022: Ignored
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

New Yorker staff writer subpoenaed for testimony in civil rights lawsuit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: June 18, 2019
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Targets: Nicholas Schmidle (The New Yorker)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Jun. 18, 2019: Pending

Jul. 23, 2019: Objected to

Oct. 18, 2019: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

BuzzFeed receives second subpoena in ongoing Unsworth-Musk defamation lawsuit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: July 29, 2019
Location: San Francisco, California
Targets: BuzzFeed News

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jul. 29, 2019: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

America First Media Group founder ordered to comply with document, testimony requests

Incident Details

Date of Incident: July 31, 2019
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Matt Couch (America First Media Group)

Legal Orders →: Motion to compel for communications or work product

Jul. 31, 2019: Upheld

Aug. 14, 2019: Objected to

Jan. 24, 2020: Upheld

Jan. 31, 2020: Objected to

Mar. 4, 2020: Upheld
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Fast Company subpoenaed for identifying information on confidential source

Incident Details

Date of Incident: August 9, 2019
Location: New York, New York
Targets: Fast Company, Fast Company via Mansueto

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Aug. 9, 2019: Pending

Oct. 31, 2019: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Subpoena for Iowa journalist’s reporting materials in lottery rigging case dropped

Incident Details

Date of Incident: August 16, 2019
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Targets: Perry Beeman (Independent)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Aug. 16, 2019: Pending

Aug. 27, 2019: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

BuzzFeed receives third subpoena in ongoing Unsworth-Musk defamation lawsuit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: August 21, 2019
Location: San Francisco, California
Targets: BuzzFeed News

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Aug. 21, 2019: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

BuzzFeed reporter receives subpoena in ongoing Unsworth-Musk defamation lawsuit

Incident Details

Updated On: October 8, 2019
Date of Incident: August 26, 2019
Location: San Francisco, California
Targets: Ryan Mac (BuzzFeed News)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Aug. 26, 2019: Pending

Sep. 13, 2019: Objected to

Oct. 8, 2019: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Subpoenas seeking Illinois-based government watchdog’s communications and documents dropped

Incident Details

Date of Incident: August 27, 2019
Location: Effingham County, Illinois
Targets: Kirk Allen (Edgar County Watchdogs), Edgar County Watchdogs

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Aug. 27, 2019: Pending

Sep. 11, 2019: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Tech journalist subpoenaed in ongoing Bitcoin lawsuit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: August 27, 2019
Location: Miami, Florida
Targets: Modern Consensus

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Aug. 27, 2019: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

BuzzFeed reporter receives second subpoena in ongoing Unsworth-Musk defamation lawsuit

Incident Details

Updated On: October 8, 2019
Date of Incident: September 6, 2019
Location: San Francisco, California
Targets: Ryan Mac (BuzzFeed News)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Sep. 6, 2019: Pending

Oct. 8, 2019: Upheld
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Journalists subpoenaed in criminal case involving intimidation, blackmail of the news organizations

Incident Details

Date of Incident: September 10, 2019
Location: Independence, Kansas
Targets: Andy Taylor (Montgomery County Chronicle), Josh Umholtz (The Independence Daily Reporter), The Independence Daily Reporter

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Sep. 10, 2019: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Tech investor attempts to compel U.S. journalist to identify confidential source

Incident Details

Updated On: June 30, 2021
Date of Incident: October 31, 2019
Location: New York, New York
Targets: Marcus Baram (Fast Company)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for testimony about confidential source

Oct. 31, 2019: Pending

Feb. 18, 2020: Objected to

Oct. 3, 2020: Upheld

Jun. 30, 2021: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Fox News White House correspondent subpoenaed in defamation suit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: November 1, 2019
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Ellen Ratner (Fox News)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Aug. 18, 2019: Pending

Jan. 7, 2020: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Court grants motion to compel former editor to reveal confidential source

Incident Details

Date of Incident: November 5, 2019
Location: New York, New York
Targets: Milo Yiannopoulos (Breitbart News)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Nov. 5, 2019: Pending

Oct. 14, 2020: Upheld
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Spokesman-Review subpoenaed in defamation lawsuit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: November 25, 2019
Location: Spokane, Washington
Targets: The Spokesman-Review

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Nov. 25, 2019: Pending

Jun. 1, 2021: Objected to

Jan. 10, 2023: Quashed

subpoena for communications or work product

Nov. 25, 2019: Pending

Jun. 1, 2021: Objected to

Jan. 10, 2023: Upheld

Jan. 10, 2023: Upheld
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

Using obscure legal justification, NYPD subpoenas reporter's records

Incident Details

Date of Incident: December 9, 2019
Location: New York, New York
Targets: New York Post

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Dec. 9, 2019: Pending

Feb. 13, 2020: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

Subpoena issued for Twitter communication of journalist, others

Incident Details

Date of Incident: December 12, 2019
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Targets: Charles Davis (Freelance)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Dec. 12, 2019: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Former Fox News reporter subpoenaed in defamation lawsuit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: January 2020
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Adam Housley (Fox News)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Jan. 1, 2020: Pending

Apr. 23, 2020: Unknown
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Trump DOJ obtained 2017 phone records of 3 Washington Post reporters

Incident Details

Date of Incident: January 2020
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Adam Entous (The Washington Post), Greg Miller (The Washington Post), Ellen Nakashima (The Washington Post)

Legal Orders →: 2703(d) court order for communications or work product

Jan. 1, 2020: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Third-party: Unknown (telecom company)
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Trump Justice Department secretly obtained CNN Pentagon reporter’s email, phone records

Incident Details

Date of Incident: January 1, 2020
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Barbara Starr (CNN)

Legal Orders →: 2703(d) court order for communications or work product

Jan. 1, 2020: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Third-party: Unknown (telecom company)
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Trump Justice Department secretly obtained records of 4 New York Times reporters

Incident Details

Date of Incident: January 2020
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Matt Apuzzo (The New York Times), Adam Goldman (The New York Times), Eric Lichtblau (The New York Times), Michael S. Schmidt (The New York Times)

Legal Orders →: 2703(d) court order for communications or work product

Jan. 1, 2020: Pending

Unknown date: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Third-party: Unknown (telecom company)
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Fox News journalist subpoenaed for testimony in defamation lawsuit

Incident Details

Updated On: September 28, 2020
Date of Incident: January 7, 2020
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Malia Zimmerman (Fox News)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Jan. 7, 2020: Pending

Jan. 8, 2020: Objected to

Mar. 25, 2020: Upheld

Apr. 22, 2020: Objected to

Sep. 28, 2020: Unknown
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Court upholds subpoena of Richmond Times-Dispatch in civil lawsuit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: January 7, 2020
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Targets: Richmond Times-Dispatch

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jan. 7, 2020: Pending

May. 22, 2020: Upheld
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Journalist subpoenaed for communications in ongoing defamation suit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: January 29, 2020
Location: Sherman, Texas
Targets: Cassandra Fairbanks (Gateway Pundit)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jan. 29, 2020: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Court denies motion to quash subpoena against journalist working on book about 1993 NY murder

Incident Details

Date of Incident: January 29, 2020
Location: Lockport, New York
Targets: Samantha Christmann (Freelance)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for testimony about confidential source

Jan. 29, 2020: Pending

Jan. 21, 2021: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Subpoena issued for watchdog blog’s documents, communications

Incident Details

Date of Incident: February 7, 2020
Location: Stark County, Illinois
Targets: Edgar County Watchdogs

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Feb. 7, 2020: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Chicago CBS affiliate ordered to turn over unedited interview footage

Incident Details

Date of Incident: February 12, 2020
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Targets: Derek Dalton (WBBM-TV CBS2)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Feb. 12, 2020: Pending

Feb. 26, 2020: Objected to

Aug. 3, 2020: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Chicago CBS2 reporter subpoenaed for aired and unpublished footage

Incident Details

Date of Incident: February 12, 2020
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Targets: Dave Savini (WBBM-TV CBS2)

Legal Orders →: national security letter for communications or work product

Feb. 12, 2021: Pending

Feb. 26, 2021: Objected to

Aug. 3, 2022: Partially upheld
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Virginia circuit court quashes subpoena seeking investigative journalist’s voicemail

Incident Details

Date of Incident: February 21, 2020
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Targets: Kerri O’Brien (WRIC-TV)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Feb. 1, 2020: Pending

Feb. 18, 2020: Objected to

Feb. 21, 2020: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Journalist subpoenaed for testimony about confidential sources in defamation suit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: February 29, 2020
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Seymour “Sy” Hersh (Independent)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for testimony about confidential source

Feb. 29, 2020: Pending

Apr. 23, 2020: Upheld

May. 8, 2020: Pending

Jul. 15, 2020: Carried out

Mar. 29, 2021: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

WikiLeaks subpoenaed in defamation lawsuit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: March 13, 2020
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: WikiLeaks

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jan. 24, 2020: Pending

Mar. 29, 2021: Unknown
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Illinois county drops subpoena for government watchdog’s communications

Incident Details

Date of Incident: March 25, 2020
Location: Effingham County, Illinois
Targets: Edgar County Watchdogs

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Mar. 25, 2020: Pending

Apr. 7, 2020: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

Judge quashes subpoena for Fortune magazine reporter’s notes from profile of Theranos ex-CEO

Incident Details

Date of Incident: March 26, 2020
Location: San Jose, California
Targets: Roger Parloff (Fortune )

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Mar. 26, 2020: Pending

Sep. 15, 2021: Objected to

Oct. 14, 2021: Quashed

subpoena for other testimony

Mar. 26, 2020: Pending

Sep. 15, 2021: Objected to

Oct. 14, 2021: Quashed

Motion to compel for communications or work product

Sep. 17, 2021: Pending

Oct. 5, 2021: Objected to

Oct. 14, 2021: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Liberty University obtains trespassing warrants against two journalists

Incident Details

Updated On: May 15, 2020
Date of Incident: April 6, 2020
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Targets: Julia Rendleman (The New York Times)

Arrest Status →: Charged without arrest
Arresting Authority →: Liberty University Police Department
Charges →: Trespassing

Apr. 6, 2020: Charges pending

May. 15, 2020: Charges dropped
Unnecessary use of force? →: No

Legal Orders →: warrant for communications or work product

Apr. 6, 2020: Pending

May. 15, 2020: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Liberty University obtains trespassing warrant against ProPublica reporter

Incident Details

Updated On: May 15, 2020
Date of Incident: April 6, 2020
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Targets: Alec MacGillis (ProPublica)

Arrest Status →: Charged without arrest
Arresting Authority →: Liberty University Police Department
Charges →: Trespassing

Apr. 6, 2020: Charges pending

May. 15, 2020: Charges dropped
Unnecessary use of force? →: No

Legal Orders →: warrant for communications or work product

Apr. 6, 2020: Pending

May. 15, 2020: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Fox News White House correspondent receives second subpoena for documents, testimony in defamation case

Incident Details

Date of Incident: April 23, 2020
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Ellen Ratner (Fox News)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

May. 11, 2020: Pending

Mar. 29, 2021: Unknown
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Fox News subpoenaed for documents in defamation suit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: April 23, 2020
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Fox News

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jan. 7, 2020: Pending

Jan. 15, 2020: Objected to

Mar. 25, 2020: Upheld
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Yahoo News investigative reporter subpoenaed for documents in defamation suit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: April 23, 2020
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Michael Isikoff (Yahoo News)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Aug. 18, 2019: Pending

Apr. 23, 2020: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Freelance journalist subpoenaed for testimony in defamation suit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 11, 2020
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Cassandra Fairbanks (Big League Politics)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Apr. 23, 2020: Pending

Mar. 29, 2021: Unknown
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Subpoena for documents from The Center for Investigative Reporting dropped after lawsuit dismissed

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 14, 2020
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Targets: Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

May. 14, 2020: Pending

Dec. 10, 2020: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

CNN ordered to produce source communications in defamation lawsuit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 19, 2020
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
Targets: CNN

Legal Orders →: Motion to compel for communications or work product

May. 19, 2020: Upheld

May. 22, 2020: Objected to

Oct. 7, 2020: Upheld
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Ohio prosecutor subpoenas outlet for reporting materials from protest

Incident Details

Date of Incident: June 5, 2020
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Targets: Cleveland.com, The Plain Dealer

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jun. 5, 2020: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

Seattle Police Department subpoenas five news outlets for protest photos, videos

Incident Details

Updated On: September 21, 2020
Date of Incident: June 18, 2020
Location: Seattle, Washington
Targets: KCPQ 13 News, KING 5 News, KIRO 7 News, KOMO 4 News, The Seattle Times

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jun. 18, 2020: Pending

Sep. 21, 2020: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

Judge quashes subpoena for freelance journalist’s confidential communications, reporting materials

Incident Details

Date of Incident: June 30, 2020
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Targets: Zachary Petrizzo (Daily Dot)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jun. 30, 2020: Pending

Jul. 28, 2020: Objected to

Nov. 2, 2020: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

NYPD subpoenas journalist’s phone records in leak investigation

Incident Details

Date of Incident: July 14, 2020
Location: New York, New York
Targets: Anonymous reporter 3 (Daily Mail)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jul. 14, 2020: Pending

Feb. 2, 2021: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Memphis newspaper subpoenaed for photos, videos from July protest

Incident Details

Date of Incident: August 13, 2020
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Targets: Commercial Appeal

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Aug. 13, 2020: Pending

Aug. 19, 2020: Objected to

Aug. 20, 2020: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

Student photojournalist arrested, equipment seized during LA protest

Incident Details

Updated On: May 18, 2023
Date of Incident: September 8, 2020
Location: Los Angeles, California
Case number: 2:21-cv-08378
Targets: Pablo Unzueta (Daily 49er)
Case Status: Settled
Type of case: Civil

Arrest Status →: Arrested and released
Arresting Authority →: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Charges →: Rioting: failure to disperse

Sep. 9, 2020: Charges pending

Mar. 1, 2021: Charges dropped
Release Date →: September 9, 2020
Unnecessary use of force? →: Yes

Assailant →: Law enforcement
Was the journalist targeted? →: Yes

Equipment Seized →: Storage device, 1

Camera, 1

Cellphone, 1
Status of Seized Equipment →: Returned in part
Search Warrant Obtained →: Yes
Actor who seized equipment →: Law enforcement

Legal Orders →: warrant for communications or work product

Sep. 10, 2020: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Livestreamer arrested, assaulted during LA protest; phone searched

Incident Details

Date of Incident: September 8, 2020
Location: Los Angeles, California
Case number: 2:20-cv-09805
Targets: Hugo Padilla (Independent)
Case Status: Ongoing
Type of case: Civil

Arrest Status →: Arrested and released
Arresting Authority →: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Charges →: Rioting: failure to disperse

Sep. 8, 2020: Charges pending

Sep. 11, 2020: Charges dropped
Detention Date →: September 8, 2020
Release Date →: September 9, 2020
Unnecessary use of force? →: Yes

Assailant →: Law enforcement
Was the journalist targeted? →: Unknown

Equipment Broken →: Bicycle, 1

Cellphone, 1

Equipment Seized →: Cellphone, 1

Protective equipment, 1
Status of Seized Equipment →: In custody
Search Warrant Obtained →: Yes
Actor who seized equipment →: Law enforcement

Legal Orders →: warrant for communications or work product

Sep. 9, 2020: Pending

Sep. 10, 2020: Upheld
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Julian Assange subpoenaed in defamation suit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: September 12, 2020
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Julian Assange (WikiLeaks)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for testimony about confidential source

Jul. 1, 2018: Pending

Jan. 24, 2020: Quashed

Sep. 12, 2020: Upheld

Sep. 22, 2020: Upheld

Mar. 29, 2021: Unknown
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Journalist subpoenaed for testimony in defamation lawsuit

Incident Details

Date of Incident: November 2020
Location: New York, New York
Targets: Sharon Churcher (The Mail on Sunday)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Apr. 1, 2019: Pending

Nov. 17, 2019: Objected to
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Journalist subpoenaed in the prosecution of a serial killer

Incident Details

Updated On: April 30, 2021
Date of Incident: November 25, 2020
Location: San Bernardino, California
Targets: Jillian Lauren Shriner

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Nov. 25, 2020: Pending

Apr. 30, 2021: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

ICE drops subpoena around BuzzFeed News story on Trump administration deportation policy

Incident Details

Date of Incident: December 1, 2020
Location: Virginia
Targets: BuzzFeed News

Legal Orders →: other for communications or work product

Dec. 1, 2020: Pending

Dec. 9, 2020: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Judge quashes subpoena for former KRON 4 reporter’s testimony

Incident Details

Date of Incident: December 7, 2020
Location: Redwood City, California
Targets: Kate Cagle (KRON 4)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Dec. 7, 2020: Pending

Dec. 8, 2020: Objected to

Mar. 8, 2021: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Multimedia journalist subpoenaed by grand jury

Incident Details

Date of Incident: December 9, 2020
Location: Rochester, New York
Targets: Tina MacIntyre-Yee (Democrat and Chronicle)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Dec. 9, 2020: Pending

Dec. 16, 2020: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

WCAX-TV subpoenaed in Vermont criminal trial

Incident Details

Date of Incident: December 20, 2020
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Targets: WCAX-TV

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Dec. 22, 2020: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

Reporter for Tampa Bay Times subpoenaed following investigative report

Incident Details

Date of Incident: December 22, 2020
Location: Tampa, Florida
Targets: Bethany Barnes (Tampa Bay Times)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Dec. 22, 2020: Pending
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Justice Department attempted to seize email records of 3 Washington Post reporters

Incident Details

Date of Incident: December 22, 2020
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Adam Entous (The Washington Post), Greg Miller (The Washington Post), Ellen Nakashima (The Washington Post)

Legal Orders →: 2703(d) court order for communications or work product

Dec. 22, 2020: Pending

Dec. 22, 2020: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Third-party: Proofpoint (tech company)
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Justice Department attempted to seize email records of 4 New York Times reporters

Incident Details

Date of Incident: January 5, 2021
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Matt Apuzzo (The New York Times), Adam Goldman (The New York Times), Eric Lichtblau (The New York Times), Michael S. Schmidt (The New York Times)

Legal Orders →: 2703(d) court order for communications or work product

Dec. 22, 2020: Pending

Jun. 24, 2020: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

New York federal court quashes subpoena of legal news site Above the Law

Incident Details

Date of Incident: February 1, 2021
Location: New York, New York
Targets: Breaking Media Inc.

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Feb. 1, 2021: Pending

Aug. 1, 2021: Objected to

Aug. 6, 2021: Dropped

Feb. 17, 2021: Objected to

Apr. 7, 2021: Quashed

subpoena for other testimony

Feb. 1, 2021: Pending

Feb. 17, 2021: Objected to

Aug. 1, 2021: Objected to

Aug. 6, 2021: Dropped

Apr. 7, 2021: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Justice Department issued secret subpoena for Guardian reporter’s phone account

Incident Details

Date of Incident: February 2021
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: Stephanie Kirchgaessner (The Guardian)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Feb. 1, 2021: Pending

Mar. 1, 2021: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Third-party: Unknown (telecom company)
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Judge quashes subpoena of AP reporter in Idaho criminal case

Incident Details

Date of Incident: March 10, 2021
Location: Boise, Idaho
Targets: Keith Ridler (The Associated Press)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Mar. 10, 2021: Pending

Mar. 11, 2021: Objected to

Mar. 15, 2021: Quashed

subpoena for other testimony

Mar. 10, 2021: Pending

Mar. 11, 2021: Objected to

Mar. 15, 2021: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Dakota Pipeline operator subpoenas Unicorn Riot over coverage of demonstrations

Incident Details

Updated On: December 16, 2022
Date of Incident: March 17, 2021
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Targets: Unicorn Riot

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Mar. 17, 2021: Pending

Mar. 24, 2021: Objected to

Dec. 16, 2022: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

Dakota Pipeline operator subpoenas Unicorn Riot reporter over coverage of demonstrations

Incident Details

Updated On: December 16, 2022
Date of Incident: March 17, 2021
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Targets: Niko Georgiades (Unicorn Riot)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Mar. 17, 2021: Pending

Mar. 24, 2021: Objected to

Dec. 16, 2022: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Washington Post journalist subpoenaed for documents from college reporting

Incident Details

Date of Incident: April 22, 2021
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Targets: Fenit Nirappil

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Apr. 22, 2021: Pending

May. 10, 2021: Objected to
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

FBI drops 'unconstitutional' subpoena for USA Today readership information

Incident Details

Date of Incident: April 29, 2021
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Targets: USA Today

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Apr. 29, 2021: Pending

Jun. 5, 2021: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Reporter subpoenaed for witness testimony in Idaho case

Incident Details

Updated On: May 29, 2021
Date of Incident: May 10, 2021
Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Targets: Nate Eaton (EastIdahoNews.com)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

May. 10, 2021: Pending

May. 29, 2021: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Charlottesville-based broadcaster subpoenaed in defamation suit from ‘Unite the Right’ rally

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 20, 2021
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Targets: WVIR-TV

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

May. 20, 2021: Pending

Jun. 14, 2021: Objected to

Jul. 20, 2021: Quashed

subpoena for communications or work product

May. 20, 2021: Pending

Jun. 14, 2021: Objected to

Jul. 20, 2021: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Roanoke-based broadcaster subpoenaed in ongoing defamation suit from ‘Unite the Right’ rally

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 20, 2021
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Targets: WSLS 10 News

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

May. 20, 2021: Pending

Jun. 14, 2021: Objected to

Jul. 20, 2021: Quashed

subpoena for communications or work product

May. 20, 2021: Pending

Jun. 14, 2021: Objected to

Jul. 20, 2021: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Roanoke reporter subpoenaed in ongoing defamation suit from ‘Unite the Right’ rally

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 20, 2021
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Targets: Ashley Curtis (WSLS 10 News)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

May. 20, 2021: Pending

Jun. 14, 2021: Objected to

Jul. 20, 2021: Quashed

subpoena for communications or work product

May. 20, 2021: Pending

Jun. 14, 2021: Objected to

Jul. 20, 2021: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Former New York Times reporter’s phone records subpoenaed in defamation suit from ‘Unite the Right' rally

Incident Details

Updated On: August 18, 2021
Date of Incident: May 20, 2021
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Targets: Jessica Bidgood (The New York Times)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

May. 20, 2021: Pending

Jul. 14, 2021: Objected to

Aug. 18, 2021: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Third-party: Verizon (telecom company)
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Washington, D.C.-based NBC affiliate subpoenaed in ongoing defamation suit from ‘Unite the Right’ rally

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 20, 2021
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Targets: WRC-TV

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

May. 20, 2021: Pending

Jun. 14, 2021: Objected to

Jul. 20, 2021: Quashed

subpoena for communications or work product

May. 20, 2021: Pending

Jun. 14, 2021: Objected to

Jul. 20, 2021: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

NBC-affiliate reporter in DC subpoenaed in ongoing defamation suit from ‘Unite the Right’ rally

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 20, 2021
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Targets: Julie Carey (WRC-TV)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

May. 20, 2021: Pending

Jun. 14, 2021: Objected to

Jul. 20, 2021: Quashed

subpoena for communications or work product

May. 20, 2021: Pending

Jun. 14, 2021: Objected to

Jul. 20, 2021: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Spokesman-Review editor subpoenaed for information about agreement with Spokane sheriff

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 21, 2021
Location: Spokane, Washington
Targets: Rob Curley (The Spokesman-Review)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

May. 21, 2021: Pending

May. 22, 2021: Objected to

Jun. 1, 2021: Quashed

subpoena for communications or work product

May. 21, 2021: Pending

Unknown date: Upheld
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

AP reporter subpoenaed for second time in Idaho criminal case

Incident Details

Date of Incident: May 27, 2021
Location: Boise, Idaho
Targets: Keith Ridler (The Associated Press)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

May. 27, 2021: Pending

Jun. 8, 2021: Objected to

Jun. 9, 2021: Quashed

subpoena for other testimony

May. 27, 2021: Pending

Jun. 8, 2021: Objected to

Jun. 9, 2021: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Subpoena seeking unreleased footage issued to Chicago CBS2 News reporter

Incident Details

Date of Incident: June 8, 2021
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Targets: Dave Savini (WBBM-TV CBS2)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jun. 8, 2021: Pending

Jul. 12, 2021: Objected to

Apr. 29, 2022: Upheld
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Subpoena seeking unreleased footage issued to former editor at CBS2 News

Incident Details

Date of Incident: June 8, 2021
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Targets: Derek Dalton (WBBM-TV CBS2)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jun. 8, 2021: Pending

Apr. 29, 2022: Unknown
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Discovery Channel subpoenaed for documentary footage in criminal case

Incident Details

Date of Incident: July 26, 2021
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Targets: Discovery Inc.

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Jul. 26, 2021: Pending

Jul. 27, 2021: Objected to

Jun. 27, 2022: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

Senior reporter ordered to testify in assault trial connected to BLM protest

Incident Details

Updated On: October 18, 2021
Date of Incident: August 5, 2021
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Targets: Dylan Brogan (Isthmus)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Aug. 5, 2021: Pending

Sep. 7, 2021: Objected to

Sep. 9, 2021: Upheld

Oct. 15, 2021: Objected to

Oct. 18, 2021: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Broadcast reporter ordered to testify in assault trial connected to BLM protest

Incident Details

Updated On: October 18, 2021
Date of Incident: August 5, 2021
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Targets: Lance Veeser (WKOW-TV)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Aug. 5, 2021: Pending

Sep. 7, 2021: Objected to

Sep. 9, 2021: Upheld

Oct. 18, 2021: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Radio reporter ordered to testify in assault trial connected to BLM protest

Incident Details

Updated On: October 18, 2021
Date of Incident: August 5, 2021
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Targets: Chali Pittman (WORT-FM)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Aug. 5, 2021: Pending

Sep. 7, 2021: Objected to

Sep. 9, 2021: Upheld

Oct. 15, 2021: Objected to

Oct. 18, 2021: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Subpoena for podcast host testimony in murder case quashed

Incident Details

Date of Incident: August 10, 2021
Location: San Luis Obispo County, California
Targets: Chris Lambert (Freelance)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for testimony about confidential source

Aug. 10, 2021: Pending

Aug. 23, 2021: Objected to

Sep. 8, 2021: Quashed

subpoena for communications or work product

Aug. 10, 2021: Pending

Aug. 23, 2021: Objected to

Sep. 8, 2021: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Reporter subpoenaed to give evidence at Missouri murder trial

Incident Details

Date of Incident: August 20, 2021
Location: Columbia, Missouri
Targets: Gladys Bautista (KRCG 13)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Aug. 20, 2021: Pending

Oct. 20, 2021: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Forbes deputy wealth editor ordered to testify in Trump investigation

Incident Details

Date of Incident: September 21, 2021
Location: New York, New York
Targets: Chase Peterson-Withorn (Forbes)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Sep. 21, 2021: Pending

Sep. 22, 2021: Objected to

Dec. 16, 2021: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Forbes chief content officer ordered to testify before grand jury in Trump investigation

Incident Details

Date of Incident: September 21, 2021
Location: New York, New York
Targets: Randall Lane (Forbes)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for other testimony

Sep. 21, 2021: Pending

Sep. 22, 2021: Objected to

Dec. 16, 2021: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Production company subpoenaed for documentary footage in criminal case

Incident Details

Date of Incident: October 18, 2021
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Targets: Painless Television, Inc.

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Oct. 18, 2021: Pending

Oct. 19, 2021: Objected to

Jun. 27, 2022: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: State

Federal judge upholds subpoena demanding unreleased materials from Chicago’s CBS2 News

Incident Details

Date of Incident: October 26, 2021
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Targets: WBBM-TV CBS2

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Oct. 26, 2021: Pending

Apr. 29, 2022: Upheld
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Journalist subpoenaed by Facebook, seeking years of communications

Incident Details

Date of Incident: November 2021
Location: Seattle, Washington
Targets: Eli Sanders (Wild West)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Nov. 2, 2021: Pending

Apr. 13, 2022: Dropped

subpoena for communications or work product

Nov. 1, 2021: Pending

Sep. 2, 2022: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Former BuzzFeed reporter ordered to sit for deposition in lawsuit against Kevin Spacey

Incident Details

Date of Incident: November 4, 2021
Location: New York, New York
Targets: Adam Vary (BuzzFeed News)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for testimony about confidential source

Nov. 4, 2021: Pending

Feb. 1, 2021: Objected to

Aug. 9, 2022: Upheld
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Project Veritas founder detained, phones seized amid FBI raid of his home

Incident Details

Date of Incident: November 6, 2021
Location: Mamaroneck, New York
Targets: James O'Keefe (Project Veritas)

Arrest Status →: Detained and released without being processed
Arresting Authority →: FBI
Unnecessary use of force? →: No

Equipment Seized →: Cellphone, 2
Status of Seized Equipment →: In custody
Search Warrant Obtained →: Yes
Actor who seized equipment →: Law enforcement

Legal Orders →: warrant for communications or work product

Nov. 6, 2021: Pending

Nov. 6, 2021: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Family Court judge quashes subpoena issued to former Honolulu Civil Beat reporter

Incident Details

Date of Incident: November 17, 2021
Location: Kapolei, Hawaii
Targets: Kevin Knodell (Honolulu Civil Beat)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Nov. 17, 2021: Pending

Dec. 22, 2021: Objected to

Jul. 1, 2022: Quashed
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Freelance journalist sues following House Committee’s subpoena of her phone records

Incident Details

Updated On: December 5, 2022
Date of Incident: November 24, 2021
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Case number: 1:21-cv-03290
Targets: Amy Harris (Freelance)
Case Status: Dismissed
Type of case: Civil

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Nov. 24, 2021: Pending

Dec. 5, 2022: Dropped
Legal Order Target →: Third-party: Verizon (telecom company)
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Photojournalist arrested, equipment seized while documenting homeless encampment

Incident Details

Updated On: February 21, 2022
Date of Incident: November 30, 2021
Location: Sausalito, California
Case number: 3:22-cv-01029
Targets: Jeremy Portje (Freelance)
Case Status: Ongoing
Type of case: Civil

Arrest Status →: Arrested and released
Arresting Authority →: Sausalito Police Department
Charges →: Assault: battery on a police officer

Dec. 1, 2021: Charges pending

Dec. 28, 2021: Charges dropped

Assault: battery on a police officer with injury

Dec. 1, 2021: Charges pending

Dec. 28, 2021: Charges dropped

Obstruction: resisting an executive officer

Dec. 1, 2021: Charges pending

Dec. 28, 2021: Charges dropped
Detention Date →: November 30, 2021
Release Date →: December 1, 2021
Unnecessary use of force? →: No

Assailant →: Law enforcement
Was the journalist targeted? →: Yes

Equipment Seized →: Camera, 1

Camera equipment, 1

Camera lens, 1

External battery, 1

Cellphone, 1

Recording equipment, 3

Storage device, 2
Status of Seized Equipment →: Returned in full
Search Warrant Obtained →: Yes
Actor who seized equipment →: Law enforcement

Legal Orders →: warrant for communications or work product

Dec. 9, 2021: Pending

Dec. 21, 2021: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Former BuzzFeed reporter ordered to submit documents in lawsuit against Kevin Spacey

Incident Details

Date of Incident: December 6, 2021
Location: New York, New York
Targets: Adam Vary (BuzzFeed News)

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Dec. 6, 2021: Pending

Feb. 9, 2022: Objected to

Aug. 9, 2022: Upheld
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Texas journalist files suit following arrest, equipment seizure

Incident Details

Date of Incident: December 21, 2021
Location: Damon, Texas
Case number: 4:22-cv-04210
Targets: Justin Pulliam (Independent)
Case Status: Ongoing
Type of case: Civil

Arrest Status →: Arrested and released
Arresting Authority →: Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office
Charges →: Obstruction: interference with public duties

May. 16, 2022: Charges pending
Unnecessary use of force? →: No

Equipment Seized →: Camera, 2

Cellphone, 1

External battery, 1

Miscellaneous equipment, 3

Recording equipment, 1

Storage device, 2
Status of Seized Equipment →: Returned in part
Search Warrant Obtained →: Yes
Actor who seized equipment →: Law enforcement

Legal Orders →: warrant for communications or work product

Jan. 14, 2022: Pending

Jan. 14, 2022: Carried out

warrant for communications or work product

Jan. 14, 2022: Pending

Jan. 14, 2022: Carried out
Legal Order Target →: Journalist
Legal Order Venue →: State

Podcast producers release unaired materials after subpoena upheld

Incident Details

Date of Incident: December 22, 2021
Location: San Diego, California
Targets: Audiation

Legal Orders →: subpoena for communications or work product

Nov. 18, 2021: Pending

Dec. 1, 2021: Objected to

Dec. 21, 2021: Upheld
Legal Order Target →: Institution
Legal Order Venue →: Federal

Reporter arrested, phone confiscated while covering NC homeless camp eviction

Incident Details

Updated On: June 16, 2023
Date of Incident: December 25, 2021
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Targets: Matilda Bliss (The Asheville Blade)

Arrest Status →: Arrested and released
Arresting Authority →: Asheville Police Department
Charges →: Trespassing

Dec. 26, 2021: Charges pending

Apr. 19, 2023: Convicted

Apr. 19, 2023: Pending appeal

Jun. 16, 2023: Convicted
Release Date →: December 26, 2021
Unnecessary use of force? →: No

Equipment Seized →: Cellphone, 1
Status of Seized Equipment →: Returned in full
Search Warrant Obtained →: Yes
Actor who seized equipment →: Law enforcement