Judge Hears Arguments in Case of Air National Guardsman Accused of Leaking Highly Classified Military Documents

A federal judge in Massachusetts heard arguments on Thursday in the case of Jack Teixeira, a 21-year-old Air National Guardsman accused of leaking highly classified military documents. Prosecutors argued that Teixeira should remain in jail for his trial, citing the fact that he kept an arsenal of guns and had posted on social media that he would like to kill a “ton of people.”

Teixeira’s family released a statement on Thursday, expressing their support for him and saying that they are “standing together in solidarity and support” of him. The statement appears to be their first since his April 13 arrest.

The charges against Teixeira relate to national defense information and classified documents or materials. The judge at Teixeira’s detention hearing has yet to decide whether he should be kept in custody until his trial or released to home confinement or under other conditions.

The case has raised questions about why Teixeira had such a high security clearance and access to some of the nation’s most classified secrets. Teixeira was led away from the court in handcuffs, black rosary beads around his neck, pending the judge’s ruling.

The case is ongoing and further details are expected to be released as the trial progresses.