Anti-Trump FBI Agent Arrested, Charged With Leaking Confidential Intel
An FBI agent who suggested that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani "may have been compromised" by Russian operatives and accused the first Trump administration of political bias was apprehended at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport before he could leave the country.
According to a criminal complaint filed on Tuesday, Jonathan Buma is accused of unlawfully disclosing classified information.
Buma, a counterintelligence specialist and 15-year veteran of the FBI, had been vocal about concerns regarding the first Trump administration’s handling of classified documents. In October 2023, he allegedly printed nearly 130 files from FBI databases.
Among these files, at least eight reportedly contained "sensitive information reports relating to a foreign adversary." Some documents included data from confidential human sources, which "were clearly marked with protected warnings that made clear that the information was to be protected," stated the complaint.
Additionally, the complaint alleges that Buma printed screenshots of encrypted conversations he had with a confidential source. These images, containing sensitive details, later appeared in a news report that same year.
Buma reportedly told his supervisors that he planned to take an unpaid leave of absence after gathering the necessary materials for his forthcoming autobiographical book.
During his sabbatical, Buma was allegedly not discreet about the content of his book. He shared a draft via email and posted excerpts on social media, revealing details about FBI investigations into a foreign nation's weapons of mass destruction program.
"The book draft contained information that Buma obtained through his position as an FBI Special Agent that relates to the FBI’s efforts and investigations into a foreign country’s weapons of mass destruction program," the complaint stated.
Attorney Scott Horton remarked, "In Buma’s case, the Bureau’s conduct raises special concerns that counterintelligence activities targeting the Russian intelligence services are being blocked when they produce evidence that the Bureau considers politically embarrassing."
Buma appeared in federal court in Brooklyn on Tuesday for arraignment, though the charges were filed in California. He was released on a $100,000 bond.
As of Wednesday evening, ABC News reported that Buma had not entered a plea, and his attorney had not responded to a request for comment.
Meanwhile, the FBI has had a busy week.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced that the agency is investigating attacks on Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and related swatting incidents.
President Trump and other administration officials have denounced these incidents as acts of "domestic terrorism," linking them to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s cost-cutting measures that affected federal agencies and employees, according to Axios.
"Communication and transparency are my priorities. We work for you, the American citizen. Our teams are actively working on the Tesla incidents and the swatting incidents, along with our other responsibilities to keep the Homeland safe. Thank you," Bongino wrote.
Swatting is a form of harassment in which false emergency calls trigger a heavy police response to a targeted address.
The FBI is also investigating the vandalism of a Tesla collision center in Las Vegas on Tuesday, where multiple vehicles were set on fire and the word "Resist" was spray-painted on the building. Authorities are considering it a possible act of terrorism.