UPDATE: GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS LEAKED ON DISCORD
A combination of what is essentially a VoIP and social media app would birth the beginning of the popular platform Discord. You can find many different chatrooms discussing a variety of topics, but it truly has made a name in the video game and crypto communities. Discord leaks typically involve more NSFW or doxxing scandals, yet recently, one has become a major threat to national security. Government documents leaked on Discord in early 2023 embarrassed The Pentagon showcasing classified information about the War in Ukraine. While this is an ongoing investigation, Jack Teixeira has been arrested in connection with the Discord leaks. Now, even more military officials are facing discipline. Additionally, it would appear that the information may have been out to the public well before the U.S. figured it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5NocqJyhqI Related: The Complicated Necessity of (Redacted) Documents in the Military
Government Documents Leaked on Discord May Have Been on Minecraft Well Before
The government documents leaked on Discord involving the War in Ukraine present a potential threat to national security. There are several topics within that allegedly show the positions of military forces, nuclear war scenarios, the amount of support Ukraine is receiving, and much more.However, they may have been on the popular video game Minecraft well before. Again, everyone is innocent until proven guilty in this ongoing investigation. However, more and more details are pointing to intentional leaks, potentially on multiple online platforms.While you’re more likely to find groups discussing Minecraft or NFTs, Discord has plenty of applications for communicating within groups. The Pentagon leak began months ago typed in a forum. However, that has been bolstered by actual images of folded pieces of paper on Twitter. Yet, it’s Minecraft that has drawn additional attention as the investigation unfolds. It is now believed that both secret and top-secret documents were available on “Minecraft Earth Map.” This is where thousands of users would have had access. The Minecraft Discord server leaked documents involving similar information that has been the question of investigators throughout 2023. But the importance here is that the access to the classified documents leaked Discord appears to have been much more widely available and at an earlier date than once thought. Suggested Read: What Really Goes On Inside the Pentagon
What Did Jack Teixeira Leak?
Allegedly, Jack Teixeira is the suspected leaker of U.S. secret documents worked on a military base, a friend says. Known as “Lucca,” the user shared the information on a Discord chat called Thug Shaker Central before it spread further after being found by media outlets. Teixeira is a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.Individuals are still sorting Teixeira leaked documents; however, they have sensitive information about the War in Ukraine. The documents also exposed American espionage against allies, information about Taiwan’s aerial defense, and a variety of additional government secrets.
U.S. Officials Are Still Reviewing the Leak
As a result of the Discord leaked documents, The Pentagon is reviewing its organization internally. The Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, Milancy D. Harris, is leading the initiative. A variety of staff will be involved and there are now more measures in place, restricting access to briefings among staff.Conducting its own criminal investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice is looking into the information leak and the information gathering process. Officials are taking the leak seriously and continue to deal with fallout and damage control.This includes fixing relationships with allies of the U.S. military that may have concerns, such as South Korea, who believe most of the leaked Pentagon documents are fabricated. Regardless of The Pentagon leaked documents on Discord, support from America and its allies for Ukraine is unwavering.
Government Documents Leaked on Discord Leads to 15 More Disciplined by Air Force
In the aftermath of the Discord leaks, more and more military personnel are finding themselves facing discipline. Now, 15 Air National Guardsmen, both enlisted and Officers have received punishment because of the leak.Reports are showing that Jack Teixeira's unit didn’t act accordingly after realizing he was looking for the information leak. Conversely, reports also show that his superiors didn’t know Teixeira was looking online for intel either.Otis Air National Guard Base was the facility where Teixeira was serving at the time of the incident. He is now pleading not guilty. Some of the personnel were let go from their duties. Others had administrative, nonjudicial punishments. This includes the Commander of the 102nd Intelligence Wing, Col. Sean Riley, and the Commander of the 102nd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, Col. Enrique Dovalo.As an ongoing story, we’re still nowhere near finding out what the fallout of the leaked intel from Discord will be. There are concerns about the inability to maintain Ukrainian air defenses. Additionally, many have concerns about potential intel on nuclear war scenarios, strategic positioning, possible counteroffensives, and even alleged misrepresentations of casualty statistics.It’s true that positive news for Russia could be great for the nation’s military in the form of morale. But, leaking military positions can put those fighters at a disadvantage and increased risk. So far, the full scope remains to be seen.However, the leak is still embarrassing. It includes the news that the U.S. may be spying on its allies, which is not exactly a secret but not a good look either. Overall, the government documents leaked on Discord are still an emerging topic that U.S. officials are getting to the bottom of, regardless of their content.Read Next: Is ISIS Still Around?