Lawsuit triggered after Biden Administration refuses to overrule FBI’s denial of Freedom of Information Act request

The News: Today, the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) filed a federal lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for withholding Nashville shooter Audrey Hale’s manifesto. WILL’s lawsuit was filed this morning in Nashville, Tennessee, on behalf of our client, The Star News Network, its Editor-in-Chief, and a reporter—which filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requesting the manifesto.

After the FBI denied the request, WILL appealed to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ)—a preliminary step required by federal law. On May 5th, President Biden’s DOJ denied the appeal and affirmed the FBI’s decision, precipitating this new federal lawsuit.

The Quotes: WILL Deputy Counsel, Dan Lennington, stated, “WILL is proud to support the Freedom of the Press. Without it, the Biden Administration would be free to keep the public in the dark about serious matters of public safety, including the tragic March shooting in Nashville.”

WILL Deputy Counsel, Lucas Vebber, added, “The federal government does not get to pick and choose whether they release information that lawfully belongs to the public. Our efforts are critical to holding our federal government accountable and promoting transparency.”

Additional Background: On April 20th, The Star News Network requested a copy of the manifesto from the FBI through a formal FOIA request. After the FBI denied the records, WILL immediately filed an Administrative Appeal with Biden’s DOJ, as required by law. On May 5th, the DOJ denied the appeal and WILL immediately prepared for a lawsuit in federal court.

Read More:

• Complaint, May 10, 2023
• WILL’s Administrative Appeal Press Release
• WILL’s Preserving Democracy Project