Michael Kunzelman

Former Southern Poverty Law Center official Heidi Beirich has been charged with wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to submit false statements to a federally insured bank and conspiracy to conceal money laundering in the federal case against the organization. Prosecutors allege that $4.1 million in donations financed informants inside extremist groups, including payments and expenses connected to KKK members and white nationalists. The indictment reportedly identifies Beirich as a former director of the SPLC’s Intelligence Project and alleges that she had a romantic and financial relationship with one paid source. Her attorney says the charges are an attempt to punish her work against hate groups and silence a political opponent, while the SPLC and Beirich’s current organization had not immediately commented.

The Trump administration has activated the Alien Terrorist Removal Court for the first time since its creation in 1996 to seek the deportation of Afghan national Nazira Haji Zada. Her defense lawyer, Matthew Farley, argued that the proceedings violate due process and the Constitution and requested her release, but Chief Judge Joan Ericksen denied the requests while allowing the defense to renew them. The FBI arrested Zada at her Texas home without charging her with a crime, alleging that she supported Islamic State activity and a plot linked to relatives convicted in Oklahoma for an ISIS-inspired 2024 Election Day scheme.

The Trump administration is using the previously dormant Alien Terrorist Removal Court to seek the deportation of Nazira Haji Zada, an Afghan woman accused of supporting an ISIS-inspired attack plot in the United States. FBI records allege that she supported the Islamic State and encouraged her children to pledge allegiance to the group. She is the mother and mother-in-law of two Afghan men convicted in connection with a 2024 Election Day plot. The court, created in 1996 but unused until this month, is scheduled to hear the Justice Department’s petition in Washington, D.C.

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., is considering whether the Trump administration violated his injunction by transferring transgender women to a segregated prison unit in Fort Worth, Texas. The inmates seek to return to women’s prisons and block additional transfers, arguing that segregation deprives them of privileges, worsens gender dysphoria, and violates constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment. Government attorneys maintain that the transfers comply with the order and that the inmates must first use the prison system’s administrative complaint process. Judge Royce Lamberth expressed concern that the transfers appeared to violate his earlier ruling but did not issue an immediate decision.

Former U.S. Olympian David Hearn is seeking the release of secret grand jury testimony in his felony case over alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. His attorneys argue prosecutors relied on flawed evidence to establish that the damage exceeded the $1,000 threshold, citing testimony that the pool already had leaks, a torn liner and other substantial problems. The witness reportedly could not identify damage directly caused by Hearn or say whether his actions increased repair costs. Hearn faces up to 10 years in prison, while he and his supporters argue the prosecution is politically motivated and connected to controversy over the pool’s multimillion-dollar restoration.

Former U.S. Olympian David Hearn, charged with felony destruction of property at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, is asking a D.C. Superior Court judge to release the full grand jury transcript and prosecutorial instructions. His lawyers argue that prosecutors failed to establish the alleged $1,000 in damage because National Park Service testimony indicated the pool already had extensive leaks, worn expansion joints and a torn liner. Hearn has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is scheduled for September 28. The case is tied to controversy over the pool’s multimillion-dollar restoration, with Donald Trump blaming vandalism while Hearn’s supporters argue the prosecution is intended to shift responsibility for restoration problems.

Eighteen-year-old Carter Camacho of Smyrna, Georgia, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm on U.S. Capitol grounds and to a child pornography charge arising from a phone search after his arrest. Prosecutors say he drove to Washington wearing body armor and camouflage, ran toward the Capitol carrying a loaded shotgun, and intended to confront and frighten members of Congress, though he never entered the building and no one was injured. He has remained jailed and is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta on December 8.

Former Supreme Court litigator and SCOTUSblog co-founder Thomas Goldstein was sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted on 12 charges involving tax evasion, false tax returns, unpaid taxes and mortgage fraud. Prosecutors said he concealed more than $25 million in income from 2016 to 2023, resulting in over $9.5 million in unpaid taxes, and used diverted funds and concealed debts to sustain extensive gambling and luxury spending. The judge also ordered five years of supervised release and more than $3.1 million in restitution. Goldstein's lawyers sought leniency, citing his severe gambling addiction and ability to repay debts, while prosecutors characterized the conduct as deliberate greed and a serious breach of professional responsibility. Tobey Maguire testified during the trial about Goldstein's involvement in recovering a gambling debt.

A unanimous three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld Peter Navarro’s convictions for defying a House committee subpoena seeking documents and testimony about the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The court rejected Navarro’s claim that Donald Trump’s executive privilege invocation excused his noncompliance, finding that he could not prove Trump had actually invoked the privilege. Navarro has already served a four-month prison sentence and continues to challenge the convictions.

The US Supreme Court will review whether Alaska pilot Kenneth Jouppi can legally lose his $95,000 plane after a passenger carried a six‑pack of beer into a dry village, raising an Eighth Amendment challenge over excessive fines. Jouppi, convicted of a misdemeanor and sentenced to three days in jail, argues that the aircraft forfeiture is disproportionate and conflicts with national precedent. Alaska officials maintain the penalty fits the seriousness of alcohol importation in remote communities. Arguments are expected in the fall.

A September 28 trial date was set for former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who faces a felony property destruction charge over alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. His defense argues the government failed to preserve key evidence. Multiple others face misdemeanor charges tied to the same site, a troubled Trump-ordered renovation project. Hearn maintains he only briefly touched loose coating while complying with a park worker’s instructions.

Prosecutors reported that Rahmanullah Lakanwal, charged with killing National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Andrew Wolfe near the White House, was hospitalized after refusing food in custody. Authorities had warned his prolonged refusal to eat posed life‑threatening risks. A judge held an emergency hearing and requested access to his medical records. Lakanwal, an Afghan national who has pleaded not guilty, is accused of traveling from Washington state with a stolen firearm and ambushing the deployed Guard members. A trial date has not been set.

A federal judge scheduled a February 16 trial for Brian J. Cole Jr., who is accused of placing pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic national headquarters on the night before the January 6 attack. The court rejected arguments that Donald Trump’s mass pardons for Capitol rioters applied to Cole, finding they covered only individuals convicted of crimes tied directly to the attack. Prosecutors say Cole confessed after his arrest. He faces four charges, including transporting explosives, malicious intent, committing an act of terrorism while armed, and attempting to use weapons of mass destruction.

A Washington, D.C., resident, Sam O’Hara, reached a confidential settlement with the District after alleging he was unlawfully detained for playing “The Imperial March” during protests against the Trump administration’s law-enforcement surge. The agreement leads to dropping claims against the District and four police officers, while related claims against Ohio National Guard member Devon Beck remain pending. O’Hara’s lawsuit argued violations of First and Fourth Amendment rights stemming from his brief detention during a peaceful protest. The deployment of Guard troops under Trump’s crime emergency order had heightened tensions in the city.

John Bolton pleaded guilty to illegally retaining classified information under a federal deal that includes a more than $2 million fine and potential avoidance of prison time. Prosecutors recommended up to five years in prison, though the judge will decide his sentence, set for late October. Bolton’s attorney contrasted his cooperation with Donald Trump’s conduct in Trump’s own classified‑documents case. Bolton, long a critic of Trump after leaving his administration, faced 18 charges related to sharing classified notes with relatives while preparing a memoir. No classified material appeared in his published book, but investigators highlighted his handling of sensitive notes. The case joins a series of prosecutions targeting Trump adversaries during his second term.

Former national security adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty to one count of illegally retaining classified information as part of a deal with federal prosecutors that recommends up to five years in prison, pending approval by a federal judge. The agreement allows Bolton to withdraw his plea if the sentence exceeds the recommended term or fine. Bolton originally faced 18 counts related to retaining or sharing classified material, tied to notes used while writing his memoir. The investigation included FBI searches of his home and office and predates Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal pleaded not guilty to a new federal indictment that includes first‑degree murder and could make him eligible for the death penalty in the 2025 shooting that killed National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and critically injured Andrew Wolfe near the White House. Prosecutors and defense attorneys will meet before the Justice Department decides whether to pursue capital punishment. Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. through a post‑withdrawal resettlement program and previously worked with U.S. agencies, is accused of traveling from Washington state with a stolen firearm and attacking the troops. He appeared in court in a wheelchair and is scheduled to return in September, with no trial date set.

A judge ordered former CIA official David J. Rush to remain in jail pending trial over allegations that he stole more than $40 million in government-owned gold bars and fraudulently obtained military leave compensation. Investigators found hundreds of gold bars, cash, and luxury watches in his home. Prosecutors argued he posed a flight risk, citing his background and handling of sensitive materials, while the defense claimed the gold was properly obtained and unrelated to the charges. Authorities also allege Rush falsified education and military credentials on job applications.

A federal judge postponed the civil trial over the 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Key Bridge after late settlements resolved most outstanding claims, including those involving six workers killed in the incident. Remaining claims primarily concern economic losses. The delay follows criminal indictments against companies involved with the vessel Dali, which prosecutors accuse of relying on faulty equipment and misleading investigators. Synergy Marine disputes the allegations. A multibillion‑dollar settlement between Maryland and the ship’s operators was previously reached, while the city of Baltimore continues to pursue economic claims and supported the trial’s postponement.

A panel of federal appellate judges showed differing views in a case involving the Pentagon’s designation of Anthropic as a supply-chain risk, a move the company argues is unlawful retaliation for its warnings about military AI use. Judges questioned both the basis for the Pentagon’s national‑security assessment and the court’s authority to challenge the defense secretary’s judgment. Anthropic contends the designation has caused significant harm and violated legal procedures, while government lawyers maintain the company could interfere with military operations using its AI model. The dispute follows parallel litigation in Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, where one judge has already blocked the Pentagon’s designation.

Federal prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Elias Rodriguez, accused of killing Israeli Embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim outside a Washington museum. Authorities allege he carried out a premeditated attack motivated by antisemitic and political hatred, citing his statements supporting Palestine and admiration for a self‑immolating protester. Surveillance footage and witness accounts describe Rodriguez approaching and repeatedly shooting the victims before surrendering. The Justice Department’s decision follows a defense meeting meant to argue against capital punishment, and court proceedings are ongoing with no trial date set.

A panel of appellate judges heard arguments over whether lower‑court decisions blocking Donald Trump’s sanctions against four major law firms should stand. The firms’ attorney argued that Trump’s executive orders punishing them for client relationships violated First Amendment protections and the rule of law. A government lawyer countered that the lower courts overreached and that Trump acted within his authority regarding security clearances and investigations. District court rulings had repeatedly barred enforcement of Trump’s orders, which included suspending security clearances and terminating federal contracts for attorneys at the targeted firms.

Federal prosecutors charged Synergy Marine, Synergy Maritime and technical superintendent Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair for actions leading to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse that killed six workers. Investigators found electrical failures aboard the Dali caused loss of steering before the vessel struck the bridge. Maryland estimated billions in rebuilding costs and highlighted broader economic and environmental impacts. The charges follow a preliminary settlement between Maryland, Synergy Marine and Grace Ocean, though key claims and liabilities remain unresolved, including those involving the shipbuilder Hyundai.

Federal prosecutors charged two Singapore-based ship operators and technical superintendent Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair for decisions that allegedly led to the Dali cargo ship crashing into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in 2024, killing six workers. Investigators cited electrical failures caused by a loose wire and fuel pump issues that disabled the ship before impact. Maryland estimates billions in replacement costs and widespread economic harm. The charges follow a settlement in principle between Maryland and the companies involved, though claims against the shipbuilder Hyundai remain unresolved.

Cole Tomas Allen pleaded not guilty to attempting to assassinate Donald Trump and shooting a Secret Service officer during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. His lawyers sought the removal of two senior Justice Department officials from the case over potential conflicts of interest. Authorities said he traveled cross-country to Washington and carried multiple weapons during the attack, which disrupted the event. A Secret Service officer was struck but protected by a bullet-resistant vest.

Cole Tomas Allen pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to kill Donald Trump and shooting a Secret Service officer during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner attack. His attorneys sought to limit involvement by senior Justice Department officials due to potential conflicts of interest. The court requested further clarification on the recusal request. Authorities detailed Allen’s travel to Washington and the weapons he carried, while Trump released surveillance footage showing the suspect near the hotel’s security checkpoint.

Defense attorneys for Cole Tomas Allen, charged with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump and attacking the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, are seeking to disqualify senior Justice Department officials Todd Blanche and Jeanine Pirro from involvement in the case, citing potential conflicts because both were present during the shooting incident. They argue a special prosecutor may be necessary, while prosecutors maintain they will fully pursue all acts of political violence. Allen faces multiple charges, including assaulting a federal officer and firearms offenses, and could receive a life sentence if convicted.

A federal grand jury added a charge of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon against Cole Tomas Allen, accused of attempting to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and trying to assassinate President Donald Trump. Authorities say Allen fired the shot that struck a Secret Service officer’s protective vest during the April 25 attack. Allen’s lawyers dispute evidence regarding his intent and the government’s conclusions. He remains in custody after previously being placed on, and later removed from, suicide watch.

A federal judge questioned why Cole Tomas Allen, charged with attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump and attacking the White House Correspondents’ Dinner venue, was placed on restrictive suicide watch in the D.C. jail. Allen’s attorneys argued the conditions were unnecessarily harsh, prompting the jail to lift the suicide status, though the judge expressed concern about potential punitive treatment. Officials stated a psychiatrist initially deemed Allen a suicide risk, and prosecutors noted Allen told the FBI he did not expect to survive the attack. Allen now remains in protective custody while facing multiple charges, including attempted assassination, that carry a potential life sentence.

Federal prosecutors released video showing Cole Allen Tomas shooting a Secret Service officer while attempting to reach the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, allegedly intending to kill Donald Trump. Investigators say Allen fired at least one shotgun round before being subdued, while defense attorneys argue the government’s theory relies on speculation and unclear ballistic evidence. Allen remains detained pending trial on attempted assassination and firearms charges, which could result in a life sentence if convicted.

Federal prosecutors released video showing Cole Allen Tomas attempting to breach security at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner with a long gun, shooting a Secret Service officer who survived due to a protective vest. Tomas, who referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” and expressed political grievances, faces charges including attempted assassination of Donald Trump and remains in custody pending trial with potential life imprisonment.

Defense attorneys challenged prosecutors’ account of the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ dinner, arguing that ballistic evidence and the suspect’s writings do not clearly indicate an attempt on Donald Trump’s life. Prosecutors maintain that Cole Tomas Allen fired his shotgun toward a Secret Service officer, who survived due to a ballistic vest. Court filings cite Allen’s messages and preparations as evidence of intent, while defense lawyers contend the case relies on speculation. Allen remains jailed and faces life in prison if convicted.

A Romanian man, Thomasz Szabo, received a four‑year U.S. prison sentence for organizing extensive swatting and bomb‑threat campaigns targeting members of Congress, federal judges, cabinet officials, and other government figures. Prosecutors detailed his evolution from online trolling to large‑scale coordinated threats carried out with associates, including Nemanja Radovanovic and Alan Filion. Authorities reported that the attacks diverted first‑responder resources and affected officials across party lines. Szabo was extradited from Romania in late 2024 and also received three years of supervised release.

A federal jury in Virginia convicted Mohammad Sharifullah of providing material support to ISIS-K in connection with the 2021 Kabul airport suicide bombing during the U.S. withdrawal. Jurors were split on whether the deaths resulting from the attack were tied directly to the conspiracy, limiting his potential sentence to a maximum of 20 years rather than life. The attack killed approximately 160 Afghans and 13 U.S. service members at Abbey Gate, and the case had previously been highlighted by Donald Trump in a congressional address.

Jurors began deliberating in the federal trial of Mohammad Sharifullah, accused of aiding the Islamic State in planning the 2021 Abbey Gate suicide bombing during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Prosecutors argued he played a key role in multiple ISIS-K attacks, while the defense said his confession was coerced and unsupported by evidence. The case has drawn political attention due to Donald Trump’s earlier praise of Sharifullah’s capture and his criticism of President Joe Biden over the withdrawal. A U.S. Central Command review identified Abdul Rahman al-Logari as the bomber and found the attack unavoidable, while disputes over evidence and political fallout continue to shape debate around the bombing and investigation.

A man arrested in the shooting at the White House correspondents’ dinner was identified through social media posts as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31‑year‑old tutor and computer programmer from California. His online profiles show graduate degrees in engineering and computer science, past involvement in student groups, and work as a tutor with C2 Education, where he was once recognized as teacher of the month. Additional posts detail his development of video games and earlier participation in a college interview regarding assistive technology.

A U.S. Army major based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, Kenneth Chungag, has been charged with conspiring to provide financial and tactical support to the Ambazonia Defense Forces, a separatist movement in Cameroon. Court records describe efforts to transfer funds for weapons and alleged attempts to delete evidence after FBI contact. Chungag and co-defendant Mercy Akwi Ombaku, both naturalized U.S. citizens born in Cameroon, were released after initial court appearances. The case is set against the backdrop of Cameroon’s long-running Anglophone separatist conflict, which has caused thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.

U.S. prosecutors charged Chinese nationals Huang Xing Shan and Jiang Wen Jie with running a Myanmar compound where trafficked workers were forced to carry out cryptocurrency investment scams. The suspects, currently detained in Thailand, allegedly operated the large Shunda Park facility before its seizure by Myanmar forces. Investigators recovered thousands of devices and accounts of forced labor under threat of violence. U.S. officials described the schemes as rapidly growing forms of cybercrime causing billions in losses to Americans and announced the takedown of related fraudulent websites and a Telegram channel used for trafficking recruitment.

A Chilean national, Mario Bustamante Leiva, was sentenced to three years in prison for stealing Kristi Noem’s purse and committing multiple other thefts and fraudulent credit‑card charges in Washington, D.C. Authorities recovered the stolen items from his motel room, and he faces deportation after serving his sentence. Prosecutors identified him through the use of a stolen gift card, and a second suspect, Cristian Montecino‑Sananza, previously received a 13‑month sentence for related crimes.

A U.S. federal trial has begun for Afghan national Mohammad Sharifullah, accused of aiding ISIS-K in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing that killed nearly 200 people, including 13 U.S. service members. Prosecutors assert he scouted the attack route and previously admitted ISIS-K involvement, while the defense argues he falsely confessed under duress in Pakistani custody and that U.S. authorities targeted the wrong person. The bombing, attributed to Abdul Rahman al-Logari, reignited political controversy over the Biden administration’s Afghanistan withdrawal and featured prominently in Donald Trump’s criticism during his subsequent presidential campaign. The case also references past ISIS-K attacks, including the 2024 Moscow concert hall massacre. The trial is expected to last about a week.

A federal judge ruled that the Pentagon violated a prior court order by implementing a revised press policy requiring escorts for all reporters, which the court deemed an unlawful attempt to reinstate previously blocked restrictions. The decision follows a lawsuit by The New York Times challenging the Pentagon’s credentialing rules, which the court said infringed on constitutional press freedoms. The Pentagon maintains its updated policy complies with the order and intends to appeal, while press associations argue it continues to restrict access and target disfavored journalists. The judge emphasized the importance of press access amid ongoing U.S. military operations and warned against viewpoint-based discrimination in credentialing practices.

A federal judge ruled that the Defense Department violated an earlier order requiring restored access for reporters by implementing new rules forcing journalists to be escorted inside the Pentagon. Judge Paul Friedman reaffirmed that the Pentagon’s revised policy unlawfully attempted to circumvent his decision, which mandated reinstatement of credentials for seven New York Times reporters and applied to all regulated parties.

Erick Valencia Salazar, co-founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel alongside the late drug lord El Mencho, pleaded guilty in Washington, D.C., to conspiring to distribute cocaine for importation into the United States. He faces a mandatory minimum 10-year sentence, with sentencing set for July 31. Previously affiliated with the Milenio Cartel and later leader of La Nueva Plaza, Valencia Salazar was extradited to the U.S. in 2025 after multiple arrests in Mexico. U.S. justice officials noted the cartel’s extensive violence and destabilizing impact, and the State Department had offered a $5 million reward for his capture.

A sealed hearing transcript revealed that federal prosecutors acknowledged they lacked evidence of criminal activity in the investigation of a $2.5 billion Federal Reserve renovation project. Judge James Boasberg later quashed subpoenas targeting Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, criticizing the government’s justification as unsubstantiated and suggesting political pressure tied to Donald Trump’s push for lower interest rates. Attorneys for the Fed argued the subpoenas were part of a broader effort to influence monetary policy. Jeanine Pirro, leading the prosecuting office, attacked the ruling and vowed to appeal. The stalled investigation has also delayed Senate consideration of Trump's nominee to potentially replace Powell.

A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration’s Pentagon media policy unlawfully restricted press access, siding with The New York Times in its lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The policy allowed officials to revoke credentials from reporters who refused new terms, which the Times argued violated free‑speech and due‑process rights and had a chilling effect on journalism. The Pentagon defended the policy as necessary for security, while also criticizing legacy media. The ruling raises concerns that similar restrictions could spread to other federal agencies.

Defense attorneys for Brian J. Cole Jr. argue that Donald Trump’s broad pardons for January 6 participants should cover Cole, who is charged with planting pipe bombs near national party headquarters the night before the Capitol attack. They contend prosecutors linked his alleged actions to January 6, making them part of the same political context. Cole, who reportedly confessed to investigators, has been detained since his arrest and is awaiting trial while his lawyers seek dismissal of the charges and his release.

Arguments before a federal judge challenged a Pentagon press access policy that removed credentials from journalists who refused new rules, with New York Times attorneys claiming the restrictions suppress coverage and violate constitutional rights. The judge questioned inconsistencies in how the Pentagon enforces security standards, while government attorneys argued the policy is necessary to protect national security. The dispute highlights broader tensions over press access during ongoing U.S. military operations and related legal battles involving major news organizations.

Andrew Paul Johnson, a Florida man pardoned by Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot, received a life sentence after being convicted of multiple child‑molestation charges. Investigators found evidence of abuse beginning in 2024, along with explicit messages sent to victims. Authorities noted he attempted to manipulate a victim by referencing expected compensation tied to his pardon. Johnson previously served a one‑year sentence for misdemeanor charges related to the Capitol attack after entering the building and confronting police. Support resources for children and adults concerned about abuse were provided at the end of the report.

A New Jersey man pleaded guilty to bringing more than 100 homemade explosive devices to St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, D.C., ahead of the annual Red Mass marking the Supreme Court term’s start. Louis Geri admitted to possessing destructive devices and attempting extortion, with prosecutors recommending a prison term between roughly six and seven years. Court filings state he intended to use the threat of violence to force negotiations over demands directed at the federal government, the Supreme Court, and others. Police said he expressed hostility toward several institutions and groups. He remains in custody pending sentencing.

A federal jury convicted Supreme Court litigator and SCOTUSblog co‑founder Thomas Goldstein on multiple tax‑related charges tied to millions in undeclared gambling winnings and false statements on tax returns and loan applications. Prosecutors argued he diverted law‑firm money to cover gambling debts and misrepresented expenses, while the defense claimed he made unintentional errors. Testimony included appearances by actor Tobey Maguire, and evidence showed Goldstein concealed significant gambling debts from accountants and lenders.

A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration’s practice of deporting migrants to third countries where they have no ties is unlawful, requiring meaningful notice and opportunity to object before removal. The decision is paused for 15 days to allow an appeal. The judge cited previous violations of court orders by federal agencies and noted that the policy has affected individuals protected from return to their home countries. The ruling contrasts with a prior Supreme Court decision permitting rapid third‑country deportations, which drew dissent from two liberal justices.

A magistrate judge blocked federal authorities from conducting an unsupervised, wide‑ranging search of electronic devices seized from Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson during an investigation into alleged leaks by Pentagon contractor Aurelio Luis Perez‑Lugones. The judge will personally review the devices to balance press freedom concerns with the government’s national security interests while denying the newspaper’s request for their immediate return. The ruling follows growing scrutiny from press freedom advocates over the Justice Department’s handling of leak investigations involving journalists.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appealed a judicial order blocking him from punishing Senator Mark Kelly for participating in a video urging troops to resist unlawful commands. Judge Richard Leon previously ruled that the Pentagon violated Kelly’s First Amendment rights and barred enforcement of the censure while litigation proceeds. Kelly denounced the appeal as an effort to silence veterans, while the Justice Department seeks review by the D.C. Circuit. The video featured Kelly and several Democratic lawmakers, all veterans, calling on service members to uphold the Constitution, prompting accusations of sedition from former President Donald Trump. A grand jury declined to indict, and the legal dispute now centers on the rights of retired military personnel and limits of military justice.

A magistrate judge is considering the Washington Post’s request for the return of electronic devices seized from reporter Hannah Natanson during an FBI search tied to allegations that a Pentagon contractor leaked classified material to her. The judge temporarily blocked government review of the devices and will rule before a March 4 hearing. The Post argues the seizure threatens press freedom and source confidentiality, while the Justice Department maintains the devices contain evidence relevant to a national security investigation. The case has drawn national scrutiny from press freedom advocates concerned about increasing aggressiveness in leak investigations.

A jury is set to deliberate the federal tax‑evasion case against prominent Supreme Court attorney Thomas Goldstein, accused of failing to report millions in gambling income, diverting law‑firm funds to cover debts, and disguising personal expenses as business costs. Prosecutors portray the scheme as deliberate, while the defense argues errors stemmed from poor financial oversight, not criminal intent. The case includes testimony from actor Tobey Maguire and allegations that Goldstein concealed significant debts and misused his firm’s payroll and benefits for women with whom he had relationships. The investigation and timing of the charges have been contested by Goldstein’s legal team, who accuse the Justice Department of bias. Goldstein maintains he is innocent and acknowledges only inadvertent mistakes.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Pentagon from punishing Sen. Mark Kelly for appearing in a video urging troops to resist unlawful orders, ruling the censure violated his First Amendment rights. Kelly had sued after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth censured him in January, a step that could lead to a demotion and reduced retirement pay. The video also featured other Democratic lawmakers and drew accusations of sedition from former President Donald Trump.

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from transferring 20 inmates with commuted death sentences to the ADX Florence supermax facility, finding the move likely violated due‑process rights because the outcome of the redesignation process appeared predetermined. The ruling follows President Biden’s 2024 commutations of most federal death‑row prisoners and an executive order by President Trump directing harsher confinement. The case proceeds as government lawyers argue the Bureau of Prisons has broad authority, while plaintiffs contend the transfers would impose excessively harsh conditions.

A federal judge ordered Brian J. Cole Jr. to remain in custody pending trial on charges of planting pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican national headquarters the night before the January 6 Capitol attack. Prosecutors cited weeks of planning and the potential for public danger, while defense attorneys argued the devices were non‑viable and requested home detention. Cole, identified through phone records and alleged to have confessed, faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

A Pentagon contractor, Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones, was indicted on charges of unlawfully removing and transmitting classified defense information to a journalist, prompting scrutiny after federal agents searched Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s home. Authorities say Perez-Lugones shared classified materials used in multiple articles, and investigators uncovered additional documents during searches of his home and vehicle. The Washington Post has asked a court to order the return of electronic devices seized from Natanson, arguing the seizure harms press freedoms. A federal judge has temporarily blocked review of the materials while scheduling a hearing on the request.

A Tennessee man admitted to repeatedly hacking the U.S. Supreme Court’s filing system using stolen credentials, accessing personal records on 25 occasions and posting the information on a public Instagram account. He also illegally accessed data from AmeriCorps and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ MyHealtheVet platform, sharing screenshots online. He faces sentencing in April after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor computer fraud charge carrying up to one year in prison.

Justice Department officials accused U.S. District Judge David Novak of abusing his authority after he ordered prosecutor Lindsey Halligan to justify continuing to identify as U.S. Attorney despite a ruling invalidating her appointment. Halligan, along with senior Justice Department leaders, argued that no order prevents her from using the title. The dispute follows dismissed charges against James Comey and Letitia James that were pursued at Donald Trump’s urging. Officials criticized Novak’s focus on Halligan’s title and described his threat of attorney discipline as an infringement on executive branch authority.

Attorneys for several Democratic lawmakers asked a federal judge for an emergency hearing after three Minnesota members of Congress were blocked from visiting an ICE facility under a newly reinstated seven‑day notice policy. Judge Jia Cobb had previously ruled that similar notice requirements likely exceeded DHS authority. The request comes as Congress negotiates DHS and ICE funding ahead of a January deadline. Lawmakers argue that unannounced visits are essential for oversight, while the administration has not yet responded to the filing.

A federal magistrate judge ordered Brian J. Cole Jr. to remain detained before trial for allegedly planting pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican national headquarters hours before the January 6 Capitol attack. Prosecutors say Cole confessed, expressed hope the devices would detonate, and continued buying bomb‑making materials for months afterward. The judge ruled no release conditions could ensure public safety. Defense attorneys argued Cole has no criminal record, has mental health diagnoses, and lived peacefully for years, but the judge cited the abrupt nature of his actions as a risk factor. Cole faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

A member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa, received an 11-year eight-month U.S. prison sentence for laundering millions in drug proceeds after faking his death and fleeing to California. Prosecutors described him as an embedded operative for cartel leader El Mencho, while his defense argued remorse and rehabilitation. Authorities detailed his cartel-financed lifestyle and connections to past kidnappings in Mexico. The case forms part of broader U.S. actions against CJNG leadership, including recent long-term sentences for other high-ranking associates.

A congressional report accuses Washington’s police chief Pamela Smith of pressuring commanders to manipulate crime statistics, with a separate U.S. Attorney’s investigation finding widespread misclassification of reports but no criminal charges. Smith denies wrongdoing, while Mayor Muriel Bowser defends her and criticizes the committee’s process as politically driven. The committee cites testimony from district commanders alleging pressure to use lesser, unreported charges. The dispute unfolds amid broader tension between the Trump administration and the city over control of the police department, with Republican officials asserting the findings show Washington’s crime rates were understated.

The Justice Department asked a federal appeals court to block Chief Judge James Boasberg’s contempt inquiry into the Trump administration’s handling of deportation flights carrying Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador. Officials argue the judge is biased and exceeding his authority, while Boasberg maintains that the administration may have acted in bad faith by ignoring his order to halt deportations. The dispute includes claims of improper conduct, conflicting interpretations of court directives, and scheduled testimony from a whistleblower and senior Justice Department officials. The judge refused to delay upcoming hearings, citing concerns for the 137 migrants who were deported despite his order.

A federal judge barred immigration authorities from re-detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia after his release, finding that ICE acted without legal basis and misled the court. Abrego Garcia, previously wrongfully deported to El Salvador, walked out of an ICE check-in to cheering supporters as the court reviews a restraining order. The Trump administration faced criticism for its handling of his case, while DHS vowed to appeal the ruling. Abrego Garcia continues to fight human smuggling charges in Tennessee and pursue asylum as his legal team argues he is being targeted for embarrassing the government.

A federal grand jury declined for the second time to reindict New York Attorney General Letitia James, undermining the Justice Department’s attempt to revive a mortgage fraud case linked to pressure from Donald Trump. The prior indictment was dismissed after the prosecutor was found to be improperly appointed. Allegations stemmed from James’s purchase of a home in Virginia, which she says is politically motivated. The case follows broader efforts by the Trump administration to pursue James and former FBI director James Comey, both frequent targets of the president.

A Virginia man, Brian Cole Jr., made his first court appearance after being charged with planting pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic national headquarters in Washington on January 5, 2021. Authorities tied him to the devices through credit card records, cellphone data, and license plate recognition. Cole allegedly confessed and voiced beliefs that the 2020 election was stolen and support for Donald Trump. A magistrate ordered him held in custody pending a detention hearing on December 15.

Investigators say Brian Cole Jr. confessed to planting pipe bombs near the Republican and Democratic national committee headquarters the day before the Capitol attack and expressed belief in election‑fraud claims supportive of Donald Trump. Cole was identified through credit card records, cellphone data, and license plate imaging, and now faces explosives charges. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, and no one was injured because the devices were safely disabled.

A U.S. federal judge sentenced alleged Haitian gang leader Joly Germine to life in prison for orchestrating the 2021 kidnapping of 17 missionaries near Port-au-Prince. Victims addressed him in court, expressing forgiveness while describing their ordeal. Prosecutors said Germine directed the 400 Mawozo gang from a Haitian prison and sought to leverage the hostages for his release. His lawyers argued he was not a gang leader and had been involved in helping local farmers. All hostages eventually escaped or were released. Germine was convicted of conspiracy to commit hostage taking and previously received a 35‑year sentence for smuggling firearms to Haiti.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national accused of killing Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe in a shooting near the White House, pleaded not guilty from his hospital bed during a video court appearance. He faces first-degree murder and assault charges brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C. The victims were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard as part of a federal law-enforcement surge ordered under the Trump administration. Authorities continue to investigate the motive, describing the shooting as an ambush-style attack.

A misconduct complaint filed by a senior Justice Department official against U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes was dismissed by Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan, who said the department should have sought her recusal if it questioned her impartiality. The complaint centered on Reyes’ questioning of a government attorney during hearings on the Trump administration’s transgender military ban. The department did not request her removal or appeal the dismissal. Reyes previously blocked enforcement of Trump’s order, though it remains in effect pending appeal under a Supreme Court ruling.

Pras Michel was sentenced to 14 years in prison for illegally channeling foreign money into Barack Obama’s 2012 re‑election campaign and acting as an unregistered agent for a foreign government. Prosecutors argued for a life sentence, citing the scale of his actions, while his defense called the penalty disproportionate and plans to appeal. A federal jury convicted him on 10 counts after a trial that included testimony from high‑profile witnesses.

A federal judge suppressed evidence in a Washington, D.C. gun case after finding that police illegally seized the weapon and relied on testimony from an officer previously discredited by other courts. Judge Ana Reyes sharply criticized Justice Department prosecutors for presenting testimony from Investigator Harvy Hinostroza, whose credibility has been questioned in past cases. The ruling casts doubt on the officers’ account of the stop, which surveillance video reportedly contradicts, and the judge indicated she may dismiss charges against defendant Deandre Davis if prosecutors do not drop the case within 30 days.

Justice Department prosecutors acknowledged that the grand jury that indicted former FBI director James Comey did not receive the final version of the indictment, prompting defense arguments for dismissal. Comey’s legal team contends the case is a politically motivated effort driven by former President Donald Trump’s hostility toward him, while the department denies any vindictive prosecution. A federal judge is weighing multiple challenges to the indictment amid judicial criticism of investigative missteps and questions about the role of a hastily appointed prosecutor who secured the charges shortly before the statute of limitations expired.

A former Justice Department employee, Sean Charles Dunn, was acquitted of misdemeanor assault after throwing a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection agent during a Trump‑era federal law enforcement surge in Washington. Defense attorneys argued the act was a harmless protest gesture, while prosecutors claimed he knowingly violated the law. The verdict adds to a series of legal setbacks tied to the federal intervention.