A Virginia woman who distributed leaflets with White House official Stephen Miller’s home address has had her phone searched by state police as part of an investigation into possible doxxing. The search warrant was obtained without a judge’s permission, and the case has sparked a debate over free speech versus personal safety.
The investigation began after Miller’s wife reported seeing a woman making a threatening gesture towards her husband. However, the woman’s lawyer says this gesture was not intended to intimidate or harass anyone but rather to express disapproval of Miller’s policies.
The search warrant for the woman’s phone included a text message that suggested she was part of an organized campaign to threaten and harass Miller. However, the woman’s lawyer claims that the message was just a statement of opposition to Miller’s policies.
This case highlights the tension between free speech and personal safety in the context of political activism. The First Amendment protects the right to express dissenting opinions, but it also recognizes the need for public officials to feel safe from harassment and intimidation.
The investigation has been met with criticism from civil liberties groups, who argue that it represents an overreach by law enforcement into the realm of private citizens’ speech. Others have praised the actions taken by Miller’s family and their supporters, arguing that they are necessary to ensure the safety of public officials and their families.
As the case continues to unfold, questions remain about whether the woman’s phone should be fully searched or if certain information should be withheld. The outcome will likely depend on how the court weighs the competing interests of free speech and personal safety.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/03/us/politics/stephen-miller-activist-battle-free-speech.html