Washington AG's threat to charge journalists investigating daycare fraud sparked national backlash over press freedom.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown drew national criticism for warning that investigative journalists probing alleged fraud in Somali-run home daycares could face hate crime charges. The backlash followed reports by Cam Higby and others exposing potential misuse of over $210,000 in state funds at Dhagash Family Childcare, which denied operating as a licensed daycare. Brown claimed journalists’ on-site visits and filming of minors constituted harassment and danger, urging the public to report such incidents. Federal officials, including DOJ’s Harmeet Dhillon, rebuked the remarks, stressing that press freedom under the First Amendment protects such investigations and that intimidating journalists may violate federal law. Critics argue Brown’s response undermines accountability and may shield systemic fraud by discouraging scrutiny.