MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has been denied access to the search warrant affidavit justifying the FBI seizure of his cellphone.
A federal judge, Eric Tostrud from the District of Minnesota, made the decision in an order Thursday, declaring that the government “demonstrated a compelling interest in the ongoing criminal investigation” that outweighs Lindell’s right of access.
Tostrud also denied Lindell’s request for an injunction. It remains to be seen how Lindell will respond.
“The extensive, 80-page search warrant affidavit describes in considerable detail ‘the nature, scope, and direction of the government’s investigation and the individuals and specific [activities] involved,’ including information obtained from recorded communications, confidential informants, and cooperating witnesses,” the filing said in explaining reasons to keep the search warrant materials under seal.
Lindell’s phone was taken at a Hardee’s drive-thru in Minnesota in September. He says agents questioned him about a Colorado clerk charged in an alleged scheme to breach voting machines. Lindell has not been charged with a crime.
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The businessman is a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump and has boosted claims of election fraud in the 2020 election, which has gotten him sued by voting machine companies.
JUST IN: A federal judge has denied Mike LINDELL’s effort to access to search warrant affidavit justifying the seizure of his phone. The government, he said, had “demonstrated a compelling interest in the ongoing criminal investigation.”
Judge also denied his injunction request. pic.twitter.com/Iha4VKODqy
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) November 3, 2022
Soon after Lindell sued the Justice Department and FBI, Tostrud, a Trump appointee, rejected Lindell’s request to reclaim his phone.
Lindell alleges in this case that federal agents violated his rights under the First, Fourth, and Fifth amendments.
