US Authorities Claim Suspected Leaker Jack Teixeira Researched Shootings and Made Threats

According to court documents filed by US authorities, Jack Teixeira expressed his desire to kill a large number of people on social media, with the intention of "culling the weak-minded." The 21-year-old is also alleged to have inquired about a suitable rifle that could be easily operated from an SUV. On Thursday, prosecutors will present arguments in favor of keeping Mr. Teixeira in custody until his trial, while his legal team is anticipated to argue for his release. The detention hearing will take place in a federal court in Massachusetts.

The US Justice Department prosecutors presented a filing on Wednesday that lays out the case for keeping Mr. Teixeira in custody. The filing suggests that the IT specialist, who was formerly a member of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron in Massachusetts, poses a threat to US national security and Americans.

According to the filing, prosecutors claim that Mr. Teixeira made several troubling posts about violent acts, including the possibility of carrying out a mass shooting. The 21-year-old also allegedly discussed constructing an "assassination van" and driving around in a crowded urban or suburban setting, shooting people.

Moreover, he reportedly conducted searches for recent mass shootings, such as Uvalde and the Las Vegas shooting, using his government computer.

US prosecutors stated in the filing that a search of Mr. Teixeira's residence uncovered an extensive collection of weapons, which included bolt-action rifles, AR and AK-style weapons, rifles, and even a bazooka. These weapons were reportedly kept within a few feet of his bed.

The filing also notes that Mr. Teixeira had a history of making threats and discussing the use of weapons, which led to his suspension from high school. He had discussed the use of Molotov cocktails and other weapons, according to a classmate who overheard him.

Furthermore, prosecutors alleged that Mr. Teixeira made threats of violence and murder on the internet and had a propensity for making racial threats.

The filing also stated that FBI agents discovered a tablet, laptop, and Xbox gaming console at Mr. Teixeira's residence after his arrest. These electronic devices had been destroyed and dumped in a dumpster.

US investigators are still trying to determine how Mr. Teixeira leaked dozens of classified files and whether he kept any physical or digital copies, according to the filing. The documents, which first surfaced on Discord, contained sensitive information about US allies and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Prosecutors expressed concerns in the filing that Mr. Teixeira "may still have access to a trove of classified information" and poses a serious flight risk, as hostile nations could provide him with refuge.

Furthermore, prosecutors wrote that "there simply is no condition or combination of conditions" that can guarantee that the defendant will not disclose additional information that he has knowledge of or is in possession of. They emphasized the significant damage Mr. Teixeira has already inflicted on US national security, adding that the potential harm he could cause is enormous.

Two commanders from Mr. Teixeira's unit, the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron in Massachusetts, have been placed on leave while an investigation is underway, according to reports. The US Air Force stated in a release that they have temporarily lost their access to classified systems and information. Their identities have not been disclosed.

As the investigation into the leaked documents continues, additional members of Mr. Teixeira's unit could also face suspension or removal, according to the Air Force. The unit was relieved of its intelligence-gathering duties earlier this month.

The leaked intelligence material initially surfaced on a Discord chat room that Mr. Teixeira is believed to have assisted in administering. The files were subsequently disseminated outside the chat room by some of its members.

The FBI previously reported that Mr. Teixeira had held "top secret" security clearance since 2021 and would have signed a "lifetime binding non-disclosure agreement" to accept his position in the US Air Force.

Mr. Teixeira is facing charges of unauthorized transmission of defense information and could face up to 25 years in prison.

In addition to the charge of unauthorized transmission of defense information, Mr. Teixeira is also facing charges of unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents.

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