What is essential is to have important data stored in more than one place, something this journalist failed to do. Just storing it at home would also be a mistake--in case your house burns down.
Given that, the reason he doesn't have local copies are the FBI going after him and seizing all of his stuff. Even if you have them in a safe deposit in a bank, they will get it.
Let's not victim blame, especially when the victim wasn't stupid.