FBI launches massive arrest operation with armored vehicles
Attorney General “Suspicion of unauthorized export and propagation of defense secrets”
President Biden “The Security Impact of Confidential Leakage Is Not Significant”
US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced on the 13th (local time) that Jack Teixeira, 21, a member of the US military, was arrested on charges of leaking classified documents.
At a briefing that day, Secretary Garland said, “FBI agents arrested Teixeira, who was suspected of taking, storing, and transmitting confidential defense information without permission.”
According to the New York Times (NYT), Teixeira is accused of distributing classified documents as a member of the intelligence department of the Massachusetts National Guard. Teixeira is known to have leaked classified documents since last year, working under the name “OG” in the social media chat room “Thug Shaker Central” in 2020.
The FBI sent agents armed with armored vehicles and rifles to Teixeira’s home in North Dyton, Massachusetts, for an arrest operation that afternoon. Teixeira was arrested without resistance, with both hands on his head. The FBI raided Teixeira’s home that day.
The Massachusetts National Guard said in a statement that it “is aware of an investigation into allegations against members of the National Guard in connection with the recent leak of classified documents.” “(Leaking classified documents) is a criminal act and willful violation of the confidentiality oath,” Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said in a briefing.
Teixeira is likely to be charged with violating the Espionage Act. The Espionage Act is a law that provides for up to 10 years in prison on a case-by-case basis for anyone who collects defense information and transmits it for the purpose of harming the United States or benefiting other countries.
With the arrest of a prime suspect who leaked confidential documents that sparked controversy over US wiretapping and wiretapping of South Korea and other allies, the US government’s investigation into the leaked case is expected to speed up. The Washington Post (WP) reported that Teixeira had leaked 300 confidential documents to chat rooms since last year.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden said that the leak of classified documents would not have a significant impact on national security. President Biden, who is visiting Ireland, met with reporters that day and said, “The intelligence authorities and legal authorities are approaching (the substance of the leaked documents),” and “It is concerning that this has happened, but the current situation that will have serious consequences (to the documents). I know there is no content about it,” he said.
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Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.