Investigative journalist James O’Keefe, founder of O’Keefe Media Group (OMG), experienced a high-profile visit from law enforcement at his organization’s headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida, on March 31, 2026. While O’Keefe was livestreaming, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies entered the office to serve him with a temporary restraining order (described in court documents as a domestic violence or stalking injunction) filed by Matthew Tyrmand, a former Project Veritas board member.
The incident, which some conservative outlets and O’Keefe himself described as a “raid” or act of intimidation, was in fact the routine service of civil court papers. Video footage captured a detective calmly explaining it was not a criminal matter and that O’Keefe was “not going to jail.” No search warrant was executed, and no property was seized during the initial service.
The restraining order stemmed from a personal and professional dispute. O’Keefe had previously released undercover video in which Tyrmand allegedly made violent threats against him, including statements like “I would kill him.” Tyrmand responded by filing the injunction in Miami-Dade County. O’Keefe called the order retaliatory and baseless, arguing it was designed to harass him amid his ongoing investigative reporting on topics like election-related signature fraud in California.
A Miami-Dade family court judge later extended the temporary order until May 11, 2026, and required disclosure of firearms. On or around April 23-24, 2026, Palm Beach County authorities returned to the office to enforce the firearms prohibition under Florida law, confiscating O’Keefe’s weapons. However, on April 24, Judge Marie E. Mato overturned the firearms restriction in a hearing, ruling that O’Keefe could immediately retrieve his firearms from the West Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office.
O’Keefe has framed the events as political lawfare intended to silence his journalism. Supporters echoed this view, pointing to the timing—coinciding with the release of new undercover videos—as evidence of selective enforcement. Critics note that serving restraining orders is a standard law enforcement function, and no criminal charges have been filed against O’Keefe in connection with the matter.
This episode is distinct from the 2021 FBI raid on O’Keefe’s New York home, which was part of a federal investigation into the alleged theft of Ashley Biden’s diary (an incident in which Project Veritas was never charged). The Florida events remain a civil dispute playing out in open court.
O’Keefe has vowed to continue his work, stating the attempts at pressure only strengthen his resolve. The case highlights ongoing tensions between investigative journalists, former associates, and the legal system. Updates are expected following any further hearings.
