Deep source work puts AP ahead on federal search of congresswoman’s home

Law enforcement reporter Alanna Durkin Richer put the AP ahead when she used her network of sources to swiftly confirm that federal agents were searching Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Washington home. As Durkin Richer kept digging for details, including confirming Omar’s address, National Security reporter Eric Tucker jumped in to anchor the story, using his expertise to add important context surrounding questions about the timing and the administration’s potential motive behind the search.

Durkin Richer’s quick reporting on Omar’s home address allowed video journalist River Zhang and photographer J. Scott Applewhite to deploy immediately. The result was a live shot from the scene nearly an hour ahead of competitors and strong photos, which were widely used, showing federal officers hauling boxes of evidence out of the home. The AP alert about the search was cited across social media by members of Congress and influencers.

Durkin Richer’s effective source work, Tucker’s quick and thorough writing, and Zhang and Applewhite’s speed, along with the team’s collaboration and communication, ensured AP delivered comprehensive, all-formats coverage of a story of intense U.S. news interest. The coverage garnered hundreds of thousands of views on AP News, and subsequent reporting later in the week continued to grab audiences’ attention.

Judges praised the framing of the story and the rapid response to the news, which positioned AP to offer smart and fulsome coverage on a competitive beat.

For excellent source work and ensuring success across all formats, Durkin Richer, Tucker, Zhang and Applewhite are this week’s Best of the AP — First Winner.