US President Joe Biden this Friday ordered intelligence agencies to “further protect” confidential documents, following the leak of classified information that has shocked Washington in recent days.
“As we continue to establish the authenticity of these documents, I have directed military and intelligence agencies to take steps to protect and further limit the dissemination of classified information. Our national security team works closely with our partners and allies,” the president said. in a brief statement.
Biden also praised the investigation into the pending case, as well as the authorities’ prompt response to the leak of classified Pentagon documents, some of which contain sensitive information about the war in Ukraine.
On Thursday, Biden had said he was concerned about the leaking of the documents, but was even more concerned about the origins of the process that led to the release of the information, which began appearing on social media last week.
The prime suspect in the leak of confidential military documents, Jack Teixeira, 21, a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, appeared before a judge in Boston this Friday and was formally charged with “unauthorized detention and transmission of national defense information.” . and “unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or materials”.
Both charges carry a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. US Attorney General Merrick Garland has vowed to demand “the harshest penalties”.
Jack Teixeira will be held in custody until Wednesday’s hearing, Boston federal court has also ruled.
Source: DN
