Exclusive details: Defense contractor arrested after printing dozens of top secret documents
Electrical engineer Gokhan Gun, a dual naturalized Turkey and U.S. citizen, was arrested by the FBI as he attempted to fly to Mexico with classified documents.
A Defense Department contractor was arrested on Friday morning after authorities discovered he had accumulated dozens of classified documents. The contractor, Dr. Gokhan Gun, was detained just as he prepared to board a flight to Mexico. The 48-year-old electrical engineer, employed as a contractor by the Air Force, allegedly used his security clearance to print and store hundreds of pages of sensitive material in his home in Falls Church, Virginia.
Glenn Thrush and Seamus Hughes first reported this information for The New York Times. It was also reported by The Washington Post and others. However, no mainstream media outlets shared the actual court documents in the stories that I read. Therefore, this article contains exclusive details. Also, please read below for my detailed analysis. You may read the affidavit from FBI Special Agent Madison Ramsden here.
According to the federal complaint, Gun printed approximately 3,400 pages of documents, 82 of which were marked "top secret." Although Gun had permission to take some work materials home, prosecutors allege that the quantity and nature of the documents far exceeded what was necessary for his job. Investigators remain unclear about his motives for hoarding these documents.
Gun, originally from Turkey, became a U.S. citizen in July 2021 and had worked with the Defense Department since mid-2023. Authorities arrested him in his driveway as he awaited a ride to the airport. Among the items in his possession was a black backpack containing a document marked top secret.
The case against Gun is the latest in a series of incidents involving the improper retention of military secrets by individuals with security clearances. Federal prosecutors charged Gun with the unauthorized retention of classified material, a crime that could result in up to five years in prison if he is convicted.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the extent of Gun’s actions, while Gun himself has downplayed the situation, suggesting to FBI agents that the classification on many of the documents may have expired. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday to determine whether Gun will remain in custody while awaiting trial.
Cops & Congress commentary: The urgent need for Air Force oversight
The recent arrest of Defense Department contractor Gokhan Gun for hoarding classified documents serves as yet another alarming wake-up call. This case, involving an electrical engineer who printed thousands of sensitive pages and casually stored them at home, highlights significant flaws in the Air Force's security protocols. It's a déjà vu moment for those of us who closely followed—and even broke the news on—last year's shocking classified leak involving Jack Teixeira, the Massachusetts Air National Guardsman. Teixeira’s actions, which led to a plea deal and a 16-year sentence, underscored the dangers posed by the lack of rigorous oversight within the military's intelligence community.
The Air Force, an essential pillar of our national defense, seems to be grappling with a recurring issue: the mishandling of classified information. Gun's arrest and Teixeira's case are not isolated incidents but rather symptoms of a deeper, systemic problem. In both instances, individuals with security clearances blatantly disregarded the rules, jeopardizing national security.
I question everything, especially about homeland security and public safety. How did these breaches happen under the Air Force’s watch? Why were these individuals, entrusted with our nation’s most sensitive secrets, able to exploit their positions with such ease? The lack of a robust oversight mechanism within the Air Force is glaring, and it demands immediate attention.
One of the core issues is the apparent absence of stringent monitoring systems. Both Gun and Teixeira were able to print or access classified documents without raising immediate red flags. The Air Force's reliance on post-incident investigations rather than proactive monitoring is a serious concern. The damage is often already done by the time authorities become aware of the breach.
Moreover, the Air Force’s current protocols for granting and monitoring security clearances need a thorough review. Gun’s actions over several months, where he printed and stored classified information without being caught, demonstrate a clear failure in the system designed to safeguard our nation’s secrets. The process of granting and reviewing security clearances must be more rigorous, with frequent assessments to ensure that individuals remain trustworthy.
Another concern is the culture within the Air Force that may inadvertently foster a sense of complacency regarding classified information. When individuals like Teixeira and Gun can so easily breach security protocols, it suggests a possible normalization of risky behavior. The Air Force must work to instill a culture of vigilance, where every member understands the gravity of mishandling classified information and the severe consequences that should follow.
The Air Force’s leadership needs to take decisive action to address these gaps. This includes implementing real-time monitoring systems, enhancing the security clearance process, and fostering a culture of accountability. Congress should also step in, ensuring that the Air Force receives the oversight and resources needed to protect our national security effectively.
As one of the first journalists to report on last year's classified leak, I witnessed firsthand the fallout from such breaches. The stakes are too high for complacency. The Air Force must act now to prevent the next Gun or Teixeira from putting our nation at risk.
Situational awareness: An exclusive, or scoop is an important news story that is first reported by a journalist. This goes beyond breaking news when no other journalists are known to be reporting on an important issue.
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🏛️ All those mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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