Leak of classified documents a “deliberate criminal act,” Pentagon says

The leak of classified documents online is a “deliberate criminal act,” according to Pentagon press secretary Brigadier Gen. Patrick Ryder, who also stated that the US is still reviewing a variety of factors related to safeguarding classified materials.

During a press briefing on Thursday (local time), Pat Ryder told reporters, “We continue to review a variety of factors as it relates to safeguarding classified materials — this includes examining and updating distribution lists, assessing how and where intelligence products are shared and a variety of other steps,” according to The Hill. “I would say, though, that it is important to understand that we do have stringent guidelines in place for safeguarding classified and sensitive information. This was a deliberate criminal act, a violation of those guidelines,” he added.

Several media outlets reported during the press conference that authorities had detained Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira, 21, in connection with the document breach.

According to Al Jazeera, the FBI has “made an arrest and is continuing to undertake authorized law enforcement action at a property in North Dighton, Massachusetts” in connection with a massive leak of US military intelligence information.

The leak of classified documents online is a “deliberate criminal act,” according to Pentagon press secretary Brigadier Gen. Patrick Ryder, who also stated that the US is still reviewing a variety of factors related to safeguarding classified materials.

During a press briefing on Thursday (local time), Pat Ryder told reporters, “We continue to review a variety of factors as it relates to safeguarding classified materials — this includes examining and updating distribution lists, assessing how and where intelligence products are shared and a variety of other steps,” according to The Hill. “I would say, though, that it is important to understand that we do have stringent guidelines in place for safeguarding classified and sensitive information. This was a deliberate criminal act, a violation of those guidelines,” he added.

Several media outlets reported during the press conference that authorities had detained Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira, 21, in connection with the document breach.

In connection with a massive leak of US military intelligence information, the FBI has stated that it has “made an arrest and is continuing to undertake authorized law enforcement action at a property in North Dighton, Massachusetts,” according to Al Jazeera.

Attorney General Merrick Garland identified the detained individual as 21-year-old Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira. However, Ryder avoided commenting on the report’s specifics or confirming Teixeira’s identity, instead stating that the Pentagon and other agencies are working “around the clock” to determine the scope and scope of the leak.

Leaks of classified US documents, according to Al Jazeera, have revealed key state secrets, including information about Ukraine’s plans for a spring offensive, and raised suspicions that the US has been spying on its allies. US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced Jack Teixeira’s arrest in connection with the Pentagon document leaks.

“In conjunction with an investigation into the unauthorized removal, retention, and communication of classified national defense material, the Justice Department said today that Jack Douglas Teixeira had been detained. Teixeira works for the Air National Guard of the United States,” Al Jazeera reported Garland as saying.