Manhattan Judge Rejects Project Veritas First Amendment Claim in Ashley Biden Diary Case

Last week, a district judge in Manhattan made a crucial decision regarding the First Amendment claim by Project Veritas in the Ashley Biden diary case. The First Amendment claim of Project Veritas was dismissed, and the case has attracted significant attention due to its implications on journalistic freedom and legal boundaries. 

The judge dismissed Project Veritas’ First Amendment claim, stating that it was “inconsistent with Supreme Court precedent.” This ruling meant that Project Veritas could not defend their actions by claiming the protection of an anonymous source. 

Identity of the Source Revealed 

The judge’s decision was influenced by the fact that two individuals involved in the case had already pleaded guilty. This undermined the claim made by Project Veritas to protect the identity of a source, a key aspect of their First Amendment defense. 

Following the judge’s ruling, attorneys for Project Veritas are considering an appeal.  

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In November 2021, authorized raids resulted in the seizure of 900 pages of documents from three members of Project Veritas’ homes. These documents are highly relevant to the investigation and the recent court ruling. 

Deadline for Document Submission 

Judge Analisa Torres ordered that the seized documents must be handed over to investigators by January 5. The timeline is crucial for the ongoing investigation into the alleged theft of Ashley Biden’s diary. 

Electronic Devices Acquired in Raid 

Electronic devices, including two cell phones belonging to James O’Keefe, the founder of Project Veritas, were also acquired in the raid. O’Keefe has since been removed from his position in the organization. 

Also Read: Trump Campaign Lawyer’s Testimony Unveils Nevada Fake Elector Scheme 

Argument of Project Veritas Against the Investigation 

Lawyers for Project Veritas and O’Keefe argued that the investigation seems more like an attempt to stifle press freedom than serve justice. They questioned the government’s interest in the case, suggesting it was politically motivated. In their argument, they wrote that it “seems undertaken not to vindicate any real interests of justice, but rather to stifle the press from investigating the President’s family”. 

Questions on Biden’s Influence 

The attorneys highlighted that the investigation might not have occurred if the diary didn’t belong to someone with the last name ‘Biden’, hinting at the influence of political connections in the case. 

Guilty Pleas in Diary Theft 

Aimee Harris and Robert Kurlander pleaded guilty to the conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property in August 2022. This included Ashley Biden’s diary and other items, marking a significant development in the case. 

Read More: NYT Corrects Hunter Biden Quote Amidst Backlash For “Illiberal Bias” 

Project Veritas’ Stance on Legal and Ethical Conduct 

Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Project Veritas stated that their methods of news gathering were both ethical and legal. The case continues to unfold, with the potential for an appeal by Project Veritas.

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