The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Suspect in documents leak had patriotic family, reckless online identity

By Dan Lamothe

14 Apr 2023 · 6 min read

Editor's Note

The Post unravels the story of the young airman who allegedly leaked hundreds of highly classified military documents, exposing U.S. and Ukrainian defense secrets and straining relations with allies.

When the newly minted member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard returned home from training, his mother took to her flower shop's Facebook page to express pride in his accomplishments.

"Jack is on his way home today, tech school complete, ready to start his career in the Air National Guard!" said the post, dated June 3, 2021. It was accompanied by a photograph of a patriotic-themed balloon tied to a mailbox and emblazoned, "Welcome home!"

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