JUST IN: FBI Announces Arrest In Connection With Pentagon Leaks

FBI Director Kash Patel on Wednesday announced the arrest of a former employee of the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The individual, who had supported top-level military warfighters, faces allegations of transmitting classified information to a member of the media.

According to the announcement, agents from FBI Charlotte, in coordination with the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division and the Department of Justice, carried out the arrest. No name of the suspect, specific charges beyond the allegation of unauthorized transmission, or additional details about the nature of the classified information have been publicly released as of this report.

“FBI and our partners have arrested a former SOCOM employee, who supported our top-level military warfighters, for allegedly transmitting classified information to a member of the media,” Patel announced in a social media post. SOCOM is the unified command responsible for overseeing special operations forces across the U.S. military services and plays a central role in planning and executing sensitive missions.

“Let this serve as a message to any would-be leakers: we’re working these cases, and we’re making arrests. This FBI will not tolerate those who seek to betray our country and put Americans in harm’s way,” Patel added.

🚨🚨 FBI and our partners have arrested a former SOCOM employee, who supported our top-level military warfighters, for allegedly transmitting classified information to a member of the media.

Outstanding work by @FBICharlotte and the FBI Counterintelligence & Espionage Division…

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) April 8, 2026

The arrest comes just days after President Donald Trump raised significant concerns about Pentagon leaks relating to the conflict in Iran, particularly in regards to the rescue mission involving a downed U.S. Airman over southeastern Iran this past weekend.

This past Monday, Trump confirmed the existence of a leak involving information on U.S. efforts to rescue the downed airman. He described the disclosure as having potentially compromised aspects of the rescue mission by revealing details prematurely.

“We didn’t talk about the first one for an hour, then somebody leaked something, which we’ll hopefully find that leaker,” the president said, speaking in reference to the rescue of the pilot while the weapons officer was still missing.

Trump stated that authorities would pursue the source of the leak and indicated that the media outlet involved should disclose the identity of its source or face consequences.

He added that officials would approach the media company and state, “National security: Give it up or go to jail.” Trump further characterized the leaker as “a sick person” and indicated that the journalist or outlet could face jail time if they did not cooperate by revealing the source.

It is currently unclear whether Wednesday’s arrest is directly related to the leaks referenced by President Trump.

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