A public record of government-linked responses to speech.
The Knock Report is an independent, nonpartisan archive of speech-related incidents — visits, arrests, retaliation, surveillance, and legal pressure tied to journalism, protest, online posts, or political viewpoints. Every entry is sourced, scored for severity, and mapped.
Top documented incidents
NY Man Files First Amendment Lawsuit After DHS Agents Tracked Him Over Critical Email to ICE
DOJ issued then withdrew grand jury subpoenas compelling Washington Post and Wall Street Journal reporters to testify in Iran leak probe
Illinois data center activist arrested following protest organizing efforts
Where speech-related incidents are happening
Latest incidents
NY Man Files First Amendment Lawsuit After DHS Agents Tracked Him Over Critical Email to ICE
David Streever, a Rochester resident, filed a federal lawsuit alleging the Department of Homeland Security violated his First Amendment rights after Homeland Security Investigations agents attempted to locate him over an email he sent criticizing then-acting ICE Director Todd Lyons. Agents visited his home while he was overseas, left a warning notice with his wife alleging he 'may be in violation of federal law,' and later attempted to contact him at a New York City hotel after he returned to the U.S. Streever argues his email constituted protected political speech and that the government's actions chilled his willingness to speak freely. The lawsuit was filed by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).
DOJ issued then withdrew grand jury subpoenas compelling Washington Post and Wall Street Journal reporters to testify in Iran leak probe
Between spring and early June 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice issued grand jury subpoenas to Washington Post national security reporter Ellen Nakashima and three Wall Street Journal reporters, seeking to compel their testimony in a national security leak investigation tied to coverage of internal Pentagon warnings to President Trump about the February 2026 Iran war. Both news organizations challenged the subpoenas in sealed proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The DOJ withdrew all four subpoenas in early June 2026 before any reporter testified; the matter was publicly disclosed on June 23, 2026.
Illinois data center activist arrested following protest organizing efforts
In May 2026, Dixon, Illinois resident Harley Delander was arrested and charged with felony intimidation and stalking after organizing opposition to a proposed data center project and communicating with former Illinois State Representative Tom Demmer, who was involved in local economic development efforts. Delander had created a Facebook event promoting a protest and sent communications regarding the project. Authorities alleged the communications contained threats that caused concern for the safety of Demmer and his family. Delander and his attorney argued the matter involved protected protest activity and raised First Amendment concerns.
Texas woman arrested after Facebook posts about discolored water supply
A Texas woman was arrested after posting videos and warnings on Facebook about discolored local water and encouraging residents to report similar concerns. Authorities alleged the posts caused public alarm. Charges were later dismissed, and the woman filed legal action against local officials and agencies involved.
DOJ issues grand jury subpoenas to Wall Street Journal for records related to Iran war coverage
On March 4, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice issued grand jury subpoenas to the Wall Street Journal and individual reporters seeking records related to coverage of Pentagon warnings to President Trump about the February 2026 Iran war. The WSJ publicly disclosed the subpoenas on May 11, 2026, and stated it would 'vigorously oppose' them.
Miami Beach resident questioned by police after Facebook comments criticizing mayor
Miami Beach resident and former political candidate Raquel Pacheco was visited and questioned by police after posting critical comments on Facebook regarding the city's mayor. Officers referenced concerns about the online comments during the interaction, which was recorded and later circulated publicly. The incident prompted criticism from civil liberties and free speech organizations.
Witnessed or documented a speech-related incident?
Submissions are reviewed by our editors. Sources are protected. Verification takes 24–72 hours.