Federal investigation into classified docs leak heats up as U.S., allies race to contain fallout

The Pentagon, Justice Department and other arms of the federal government scrambled Monday to track down the source of a major classified documents leak and to limit the widening fallout in the U.S. and in allied capitals around the world, from Jerusalem to Seoul.

The collateral damage from the leak — one of the most serious disclosures of sensitive information in years — has quickly spread far beyond American shores. Biden administration officials said they’re in contact with allies amid signs that the individuals behind the leak are intentionally trying to sow dissension between the U.S. and its closest partners.

“The Department of Defense continues to review and assess the validity of the photographed documents that are circulating on social media sites and that appear to contain sensitive and highly classified material. An interagency effort has been stood up, focused on assessing the impact these photographed documents could have on U.S. national security and on our allies and partners,” Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said in a statement late Sunday night. 

“Over the weekend, U.S. officials have engaged with Allies and partners and have informed relevant congressional committees of jurisdiction about the disclosure. The Department of Defense’s highest priority is the defense of our nation and our national security,” she said. “We have referred this matter to the Department of Justice, which has opened a criminal investigation.”