Global Courant 2023-04-29 10:48:47
The family of a Massachusetts Air National Guardsman accused of leaking top secret Pentagon documents say they stand “together in solidarity and support” with him, a day after a judge detained the 21-year-old.
Jack Teixeira, a first class aviator assigned to the 102nd Intelligence Wing, faces one of two counts against him under the Espionage Act. The counts cover national defense information and classified documents or materials, according to court documents.
“His parents and extended family stand together in solidarity and support Jack Teixeira through this very difficult and confusing ordeal,” Teixeira’s family said in a statement, which appears to be their first since his April 13 arrest.
A federal judge on Thursday refused to immediately release Teixeira pending trial, but did not rule on the case.
Judge David Hennessy did not rule, but considered arguments from prosecutors and Teixeira’s defense. According to online court records, no ruling has been made as of Friday evening.
Teixeira has not yet filed a plea.
Teixeira reportedly used Discord, an online forum originally used as a chat platform by video game enthusiasts, to share the leaked information with his small community of online friends.
Prosecutors have alleged that Teixeira was “involved in an incredibly large and damaging dissemination of classified national defense information.” In a motion to detain him, they referenced information posted on a social media platform but did not name it.
Prosecutors said Teixeira was essentially an information technology specialist but, as of February 2022, had access to hundreds of classified documents containing national defense information.
He allegedly posted government information online in December, prosecutors wrote in the motion for an arrest. Prosecutors also raised the possibility that he may have access to other classified information that has not been made public.
Teixeira’s family thanked family and friends for their support in Friday’s statement.
“We know there are now more questions than answers and hope that during this investigation, Jack receives the fair and equitable treatment he is entitled to. His health and safety are now and will be our top priority,” the family said.
The case has prompted questions from lawmakers in Washington, D.C., about the handling of classified documents and who has access.
According to court documents, Teixeira is charged with the unauthorized retention and transmission of national defense information and the unauthorized removal and preservation of classified documents or materials.
