Biden Says "Close to Rooting Out" Leaks... Chatroom Operator Is 21-Year-Old Man (Comprehensive)

by Cho Seulkina

Published 14 Apr.2023 02:00(KST)

U.S. President Joe Biden stated on the 13th (local time) that a full-scale investigation is currently underway regarding the massive leak of classified documents, and that they are getting closer to identifying the leaker.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

While visiting Ireland, President Biden responded to questions from reporters about the matter, saying, "The intelligence agencies and the Department of Justice are conducting a comprehensive investigation," and added, "They are getting closer to the (substance), but I have no answers."

When asked if he was concerned about the incident, he said, "I am concerned that this happened," but explained, "I am not worried about the leak. To my knowledge, it does not contain contemporaneous information that would have serious consequences." This is interpreted to mean that the leaked documents do not include the latest information.

This is the first time President Biden has publicly expressed his position regarding the online leak of classified documents. Currently, the Department of Justice and the Department of Defense are conducting investigations into the parties responsible for the leak and the circumstances surrounding it. There are also suggestions that an insider may have leaked the documents.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also stated during a briefing in Ireland that "As far as we know, an investigation led by the Department of Justice is underway," and added, "Measures are being taken to mitigate the national security implications of this leak and its impact on the United States and allied and partner countries." She confirmed that the matter is being taken seriously and that the U.S. Department of Defense has taken steps to restrict access to classified documents.

On the same day, major foreign media outlets including CNN reported that authorities have begun limiting the number of government officials receiving daily intelligence briefings on Top Secret military information since last week's document leak incident. The fact that the leaked documents were printed materials has also sparked controversy over the practice of printing classified documents. Investigators are reportedly planning to examine printing records from the past few months as well.

The operator of the online chat service where the classified documents were first leaked has been identified as a 21-year-old male member of the U.S. National Guard. The New York Times (NYT) reported on the same day, citing sources, that Jack Teixeira (21), who works in an intelligence-related unit within the Massachusetts Air National Guard, is the operator of the chat room. However, at this stage, it has not been confirmed whether Teixeira directly posted the classified documents in the chat room. Earlier, The Washington Post (WP) also speculated, based on interviews with chat room members, that the suspect is a man in his early to mid-20s working in the military.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, President Biden, who is of Irish descent, held talks with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar in Dublin, Ireland, on the same day. He said that the relationship between the United States and Ireland is becoming stronger, stating, "We believe we share the same values and concerns. So I sincerely hope we continue to work together." He also visited the residence of President Michael Higgins. In the guestbook, President Biden wrote, "According to an Irish proverb, where the heart is, the feet will follow. It is an honor to be back." He is scheduled to deliver a speech to the Dublin Parliament and attend a state dinner afterward.