Army places Nuclear safety official on leave for leaking sensitive info during OMG undercover report
The US Army later confirmed that an inquiry is underway.
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The US Army later confirmed that an inquiry is underway.
James O’Keefe published undercover footage on Tuesday alleging that a senior US nuclear official disclosed sensitive national security information during a conversation with a stranger, prompting an internal investigation and immediate administrative action.
According to O’Keefe, Andrew Hugg, identified as a Chief of Chemical Nuclear Surety responsible for oversight of nuclear and chemical safety, was recorded speaking candidly in a public restaurant setting. The footage, released by O’Keefe, purportedly shows Hugg discussing classified or sensitive topics ranging from US military operations to nuclear policy and intelligence methods.
https://twitter.com/JamesOKeefeIII/status/2046642621632872461?s=20
In the video, Hugg is heard making remarks about potential US action against Iran’s leadership.
“If he [Mojtaba Khamenei] doesn't change his ways, yeah, they're [United States] going to kill him.”
He also allegedly described intelligence-gathering tactics in informal terms during the interaction. “The easiest way to get intelligence…send a pretty girl, talk to the guy…I have to resist your eyes.”
“Your eyes have mesmerized me so much…Almost like you're an intelligence.” O’Keefe further claims that Hugg discussed the existence of US chemical agents and referenced a recent incident involving a US Army chemist.
“[He] claims the U.S. still possesses nerve agents and says a U.S. Army chemist recently died from exposure.”
The footage also includes remarks attributed to Hugg regarding US military operations in Iran, including civilian casualties. “[He] acknowledges U.S. airstrikes have killed children in Iran, calling it ‘collateral damage.’”
Additionally, Hugg is said to have described how nuclear launch decisions are made, while downplaying the likelihood of nuclear weapons use.
“We’re not going to nuke anybody.”
The video, filmed covertly, has raised questions about operational security and the handling of sensitive information by personnel in high-level national security roles. O’Keefe stated that the conversation took place openly in a restaurant, with the official allegedly unaware he was being recorded.
Following publication of the footage, O’Keefe reported that Hugg was escorted from the Pentagon and placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. The US Army later confirmed that an inquiry is underway.
In a statement provided to O’Keefe, Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith said:
“We have placed Mr. Hugg on administrative leave while we conduct a thorough investigation into this matter.”
https://twitter.com/JamesOKeefeIII/status/2046672443398406635?s=20
The Pentagon and US Army have not publicly verified the specific claims made in the video. Officials have indicated that further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
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