Pentagon Employee Arrested with Top Secret Documents at Airport

A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that a Defense Department civilian employee, a dual U.S.-Turkish citizen named Gun, can remain on home detention while awaiting trial for allegedly mishandling classified documents. Gun was arrested while en route to the airport for a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, carrying a "Top Secret" document and a printout of his security clearances, according to an FBI affidavit. Prosecutors argued that his actions suggested intent to distribute sensitive information, potentially leading to additional charges under the Espionage Act. During a detention hearing in Alexandria, Virginia, prosecutors requested that Gun be held in custody until trial, citing the serious nature of the allegations and the ongoing investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Rodregous emphasized that Gun's possession of classified documents and his intelligence credentials raised concerns about his intentions. However, U.S. Magistrate Judge Ivan Davis countered that there was insufficient evidence to link Gun's trip to Mexico with the mishandling of documents, asserting that the case should be treated like any other involving classified materials. Despite the ruling allowing Gun to remain free on home detention, it is unlikely he will be released soon. Prosecutors plan to appeal Judge Davis' decision to a district court, prompting a delay in the implementation of the ruling. Gun, who has worked as an electrical engineer at the Joint Warfare Analysis Center since September, printed classified documents at his office after hours and took them home, raising further concerns about his actions. He became a U.S. citizen in 2021 after being born in Turkey.