FBI arrest Jack Teixeira, Air National Guardsman linked to Pentagon classified documents leak

The FBI has arrested 21-year-old Jack Teixeira, an Air National Guardsman officials suspect is involved in the leak of hundreds of classified documents from the Pentagon.

Attorney General Merrick Garland identified Teixeira on Thursday and confirmed the FBI arrested him in Massachusetts for his connection to "alleged unauthorized removal, retention, and transmission of classified national defense information."

"FBI agents took Teixeira into custody earlier this afternoon without incident," Garland said. "He will have an initial appearance at the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts."

The Pentagon declined to comment on the leaker's identity at Thursday's press briefing.

"We are aware of the press reports regarding a potential suspect in the Department of Justice's ongoing investigation into unauthorized disclosures of documents appearing to emanate from throughout the intelligence community," said Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, Pentagon spokesman. "Because this is an ongoing criminal investigation, I will have to refer you to the DOJ for any questions."