The case of the leaked U.S. documents is escalating, culminating in the Federal Bureau of Investigation's raid on the home of a young man working in the Air National Guard, suspected of leaking them, named Jack Teixeira. According to the FBI, the 18-year-old was arrested in North Dayton, a small town in southeastern Massachusetts. The U.S. Attorney reported that the suspect has been detained and will appear in federal court in Boston.
Teixeira works in the intelligence wing in Massachusetts, according to interviews and documents reviewed by the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. He oversees a special online group called "Thug Shaker Central," where 20 to 30 people, mostly young men and teenagers, gather around a shared interest in guns and video games. The New York Times spoke with four members of the chat group, one of whom stated that he has known the leaker for at least three years, met him in person, and referred to him as "O.G." Friends described "O.G." as older than most of the group members, who are teenagers, and as the undoubted leader.
One friend mentioned that "O.G." had access to intelligence documents through his job. The Times reported that details of his childhood home matched the background of images posted on social media. The leaked classified documents reviewed by The Post indicate that they are copies of slides photographed while on a desk or table before being shared online. In at least two pictures, a booklet with clear information about firearms can be seen.
The Pentagon had announced, through spokesperson General Patrick Ryder at a press conference, that "the leak of classified documents is a deliberate criminal act, and we are working to restrict access to certain individuals for sensitive information." He added, "the Pentagon has taken steps to review distribution lists to ensure that those receiving information need to know it." He stated that the leaked documents are sensitive and "could affect our relationships with allies," and that efforts are ongoing with federal agencies to assess the damage caused by the leak, noting that access to sensitive information has been restricted for certain individuals. General Ryder emphasized that the Pentagon is taking the investigation into the leaked documents seriously and referred inquiries about the investigation to the Department of Justice.
