Puerto Rico phones warrant
A Puerto Rico judge has issued search warrants for the mobile phones of government officials tied to an online chat that has sparked a political crisis in the US territory.
Territorial Justice Department spokesman Kelvin Carrasco said the warrants were approved overnight and were issued for those who have not yet turned over their phones.
He did not name the officials and declined further comment because the investigation is ongoing.
The warrants follow massive protests demanding the resignation of governor Ricardo Rossello, who took part in an offensive, obscenity-laden online chat between him and his advisers that was leaked and triggered the crisis.
The group also insulted women and mocked constituents, including victims of Hurricane Maria.
Mr Rossello dug his heels in late Monday after what seems to have been the biggest protest the island has seen in nearly two decades.
He told Fox News that he has already apologised and made amends following the leak of the online chat. But many Puerto Ricans remained unsatisfied and vowed to keep protesting until he steps down.