FBI director posts photo of arrested Wisconsin judge’s perp walk, possibly violating DOJ personnel conduct

CNN - Apr 26th, 2025

FBI Director Kash Patel posted and then deleted a controversial photo on X of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan being escorted by law enforcement after her arrest. The photo, which depicted what is commonly known as a 'perp walk', did not show Dugan's face but was accompanied by a caption suggesting no one is above the law. The arrest came as Dugan faces charges of obstruction and concealing an individual from arrest. The post has sparked debate as it seemingly violates the DOJ's Confidentiality and Media Contacts Policy, which restricts the release of such images unless they serve a law enforcement function or are publicly documented in the case.

The incident has drawn criticism from former Attorney General Eric Holder, who implemented the policy to limit media access to defendant photos. Holder criticized the post as a means of intimidation and a clear departure from established protocol, questioning whether current Attorney General Pam Bondi has altered the policy. Dugan's attorney emphasized that the arrest itself should be the focal point and criticized the post as an intimidation tactic, noting there was no immediate threat to public safety. This development raises questions about the DOJ's current stance on media relations and the treatment of defendants, potentially impacting future conduct of justice department personnel.

Law Enforcement Fbi Kash Patel Pam Bondi Eric Holder Media Relations Hannah Dugan Doj Policy Perp Walk

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and relevant account of a high-profile incident involving potential misconduct by an FBI official and the implications of DOJ policy violations. Its strength lies in its clear presentation and engagement with issues of public interest, such as transparency, accountability, and judicial independence. However, the story could benefit from greater balance and transparency, particularly by including perspectives from Kash Patel and the DOJ. While the article effectively captures the controversy and potential impact of the incident, further verification of certain details and a broader range of sources would enhance its overall quality and reliability.

Accuracy

The article provides a generally accurate depiction of the events surrounding FBI Director Kash Patel's posting of a photo involving Judge Hannah Dugan. The core factual claims, such as the posting and subsequent deletion of the photo, are consistent with available information. The article accurately references the DOJ's Confidentiality and Media Contacts Policy, citing Eric Holder's comments on the policy's intent. However, there are areas where further verification is needed, such as whether the photo was already public and the current DOJ policy status under Attorney General Pam Bondi. The absence of a response from the FBI regarding the post and the timeline of the photo's deletion are additional gaps in the story.

Balance

The article presents multiple perspectives, including those of former Attorney General Eric Holder, Judge Dugan's attorney, and the implications of the DOJ policy. However, it leans towards a critical view of Kash Patel's actions without offering Patel's perspective or rationale for posting the photo. The story could benefit from a more balanced representation by including comments from Patel or the DOJ on the policy's enforcement. This lack of balance may skew the reader's perception of the situation, focusing more on the alleged policy violation and less on the motivations or justifications behind Patel's actions.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the sequence of events and the implications of the photo posting. The language is straightforward, making the content accessible to a broad audience. However, certain aspects, such as the specific legal charges against Judge Dugan and the nuances of the DOJ policy, could be explained in more detail to enhance understanding. Overall, the article effectively communicates the main points without overwhelming the reader with jargon or unnecessary complexity.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including statements from Eric Holder and Judge Dugan's attorney, which lend authority to its claims. It references the DOJ's policy directly, enhancing the reliability of its assertions about the policy violation. However, the absence of direct comments from Patel or the DOJ reduces the comprehensiveness of the source material. The article could improve its source quality by incorporating a broader range of voices, particularly those directly involved in the incident, to provide a more well-rounded account.

Transparency

The article provides some context regarding the DOJ's policy and the historical background of its implementation under Eric Holder. However, it lacks transparency in explaining how the information was obtained, particularly regarding the photo's public status and the DOJ's current policy. The article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases, which could affect the reader's trust in the reporting. Greater transparency about the sources of information and the methodology used in the reporting would enhance the article's credibility.