Conservative author Sharyl Attkisson is seeking $35 million in damages outlined in legal filings against the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly spying on her while she was reporting on scandals involving the Obama administration.
The former CBS News correspondent claims to have “pretty good evidence,” including results from three separate forensic exams, that a series of hacks to her computer between 2011 and 2013 were connected to the Justice Department, Fox News reported.
The department in 2013 denied any involvement in the hacking: “To our knowledge, the agency has never compromised Ms. Attkisson’s computers, or otherwise sought any information from or concerning any telephone, computer, or other media device she may own or use.”
Ms. Attkisson said the FBI opened an investigation into the hacking case in May 2013, but never interviewed her. She said she didn’t even know the case was being investigated until she found out through a Freedom of Information Act request, Fox News reported.
“I just think it’s important to send a message that people shouldn’t be victimized and throw up their hands and think there’s nothing they can do and they’re powerless,” the “Stonewalled” author told Fox News.
The $35 million figure she is seeking relates to her and her family’s loss of privacy, Ms. Attkisson said.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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