21-year-old Jack Chiera, who is suspected of leaking the Pentagon Papers, appeared in court today (Friday).
Cheira was arrested at his home yesterday by FBI agents, Attorney General Rick Garland announced.
The arrest was made "in connection with an investigation into the taking, possession and distribution of classified documents containing national defense information," he said.
Cheira arrived at the Boston courthouse in handcuffs.
There were no cameras in the courtroom.
He was charged with unauthorized taking and possession of classified documents.
The judge added that he has the right to a public lawyer.
The U.S. Department of Justice has requested that Shiera remain in custody pending trial.
Cheira's hearing will be held this Wednesday, according to the Massachusetts State Attorney General.
According to the BBC, the full complaint document against Cheira filed by the US government confirms that Cheira has had the highest security clearance since 2021 as part of his role in the Air Force National Guard.
He was even promoted in February and signed a lifetime non-disclosure agreement to receive the promotion.
Videos taken by media helicopters showed a young man with short dark hair, an olive t-shirt and red shorts walking backwards towards a team of FBI agents, who pointed their guns at him, in North Dayton, Massachusetts.
Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said the leak was a "criminally intentional act."
The investigative website "Blingcat" and the "New York Times" published Cheira's identity just minutes before federal officials confirmed that he was a suspect in the leak.
The arrest
Jack Cheira on Facebook (photo: screenshot, Twitter)
The Pentagon building (Photo: Reuters)
Cheira was a "cyber systems specialist" in charge of military communications networks.
A Defense Department official told the AP that Cheira's job was highly classified because he was also supposed to protect the networks.
The President of the United States, Joe Biden, said yesterday during his visit to Ireland that he is "not bothered by the leak".
On the other hand, "I am concerned that this is happening, but I am not aware of any major consequences as a result."
The "Guardian" saw about 50 leaked documents.
The Times said it had seen 300 documents - only a fraction of what was apparently published.
The investigation now also focuses on how a 21-year-old IT specialist from the Massachusetts National Guard was able to gain access to highly classified material, including combat plans in Ukraine.
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