FBI raids Project Veritas founder James O'Keefe and associates in Ashley Biden diary investigation
On November 3 and 6, 2021, the FBI executed search warrants at the homes of Project Veritas founder James O'Keefe and two associates as part of an investigation into the alleged theft of Ashley Biden's diary. A grand jury subpoena was served on Project Veritas's counsel on November 4, 2021. A special master was appointed in December 2021 to review seized materials for journalistic and attorney-client privilege. The DOJ closed the investigation without charges on February 5, 2025.
Dates: FBI raids November 3 and 6, 2021; grand jury subpoena November 4, 2021; special master appointed December 2021; secret Microsoft email warrant disclosed March 2022; SDNY ruling on privilege review December 21, 2023; investigation closed February 5, 2025. Individuals and organizations: James O'Keefe (Project Veritas founder); Spencer Meads, Eric Cochran (associates); Project Veritas; SDNY U.S. Attorney Damian Williams; AG Merrick Garland (Biden); AG Pam Bondi (Trump, closed investigation); Judge Analisa Torres (SDNY); special master Hon. Barbara Jones (ret.). What happened: The FBI investigated whether Project Veritas committed federal crimes (interstate transportation of stolen property; conspiracy) related to its acquisition and planned publication of Ashley Biden's diary, which two individuals had stolen and sold to the outlet. The FBI executed search warrants and seized phones and electronic devices; a grand jury subpoena was served. In a separate process disclosed in March 2022, the government secretly obtained Project Veritas emails from Microsoft. A special master reviewed seized materials. On February 5, 2025, the DOJ under AG Pam Bondi closed the investigation without filing charges. Legal authority used: Federal search warrants under Rule 41; grand jury subpoenas; § 2703(d) Stored Communications Act process to Microsoft. Outcome: No charges filed. Press freedom groups split: some argued the searches were constitutionally suspect regardless of editorial methods; others noted Project Veritas's status as a news organization was contested. Why it matters: Confidential sources were implicated; the searches were fully executed (not withdrawn). The case tested the boundaries of First Amendment protection for outlets whose journalistic status is disputed, and illustrated that warrants — unlike subpoenas — provide no advance opportunity for press objection.