Carly Intrabartolo '25
On Thursday April 13, 2023, Jack Teixeira, a 21-year-old member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, was arrested by federal authorities with the FBI because of an investigation into classified documents that were leaked on the internet.
Teixeira’s job was network defense, and he held a classification known as Top Secret/ Sensitive Compartmented Information, as per FBI officials. What is concerning for some, was how a low level entry position was allowed such a clearance?
Teixeira allegedly began a chat group online where hundreds of photographs of secret and top-secret documents were first uploaded, from late last year to March. The online group called itself, “Thug Shaker Central,” and was made up of 20 to 30 young men and teenagers brought together by an enthusiasm for guns, military information, and video games.
These documents involved top secret discussions of current affairs in Ukraine, as well as information on how the United States spies on allies. Included was also some information on Russia that potentially could be harmful to America.
President Biden, when interviewed, did not appear to be too concerned about the individual who leaked the documents, but what may be concerning is how this individual had access to such important documents.
The 21-year-old member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard faces two criminal counts. First is an unauthorized retention and transmission of national defense information, as well as the unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or material.
A federal judge on Wednesday, agreed to delay a detention hearing for Teixeira, as requested from the defense. In two weeks time, a new hearing shall occur, and some believe Teixeira may spend the rest of his life in prison.
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