In 2021, the nonprofit news organization Unicorn Riot received a subpoena from Energy Transfer. The subpoena sought different documents from the organization, including any documents and communications related to the company. In the same year, the company also sent subpoenas to various actors who took action against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) and supported the Standing Rock movement. Niko Georgiades, who was among the Unicorn Riot reporters covering Standing Rock activities, was also subpoenaed. Unicorn Riot developed a reputation for building evidence of the aggressive tactics used by law enforcement agencies and Energy Transfer.