Discord user arrested for sharing classified documents as a National Guard member

It is purported that a 21-year-old individual distributed a collection of confidential US government records to a select group of users on a Discord server.

Earlier reported by NBC News, a 21-year-old Air Force National Guard member, Jack Teixeira, has been linked by law enforcement officials to a leak of classified government documents on Discord. He was arrested on Thursday at his home in North Dighton, Massachusetts. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that Teixeira was arrested in connection with an investigation into the alleged unauthorized removal, retention, and transmission of classified national defense information.

The Pentagon discovered the sensitive documents posted to Discord, Twitter, Telegram, and 4chan last week. These leaks disclosed information about the Russia-Ukraine war and US efforts to spy on Russia and its allies. Some of the leaked documents might even cause diplomatic issues, as one document reportedly reveals that Serbia may have supplied Ukraine with lethal aid, potentially straining its relationship with Russia.

Initial investigations determined that unaltered versions of the documents had been posted earlier than previously believed, and they were then spread to other channels by third parties. The suspect, Teixeira, reportedly posted typed-up versions of the documents to the Discord server "Thug Shaker Central" where he served as an administrator. Later, he started sharing actual photos with the group after growing frustrated by the members' lack of interaction with them. The background of these photographs, containing interior decorations, countertops, and flooring, helped the FBI connect them to Teixeira, according to The New York Times.

The Department of Defense press secretary, Patrick Ryder, declined to comment on the number of documents leaked during a press conference on Thursday, stating that law enforcement is still investigating. He added that Discord is cooperating with the Department of Justice's investigation, which the company publicly announced on Wednesday. Discord did not immediately respond to The Verge's request for comment. Ryder assured that they have safeguards in place, procedures, and will continue to do due diligence to prevent potential unauthorized disclosures in the future.