A 15-year FBI veteran's career takes an unexpected turn as he attempts to board an international flight at JFK airport.
According to Fox News, Johnathan Buma, who previously criticized the FBI during President Donald Trump's administration, was arrested Monday and charged with sharing classified FBI documents and messages to write a book about his experiences at the bureau.
The arrest comes after Buma allegedly printed approximately 130 files containing classified FBI documents and messages, which he later shared with associates while working on his book. The material included sensitive information about the FBI's investigations into a foreign country's weapons of mass destruction program. In November 2023, Buma reached out to personal associates to help negotiate a book deal with a publishing company.
FBI agent's history of internal criticism surfaces
Buma's relationship with the bureau had been strained for years, particularly during the Trump administration. His concerns about the FBI's handling of certain investigations led him to voice his grievances to various government agencies, Congress, and media outlets throughout 2022.
In a revealing interview with Insider during September 2023, Buma disclosed his experiences with bureau leadership. He described a concerning pattern of selective interest in investigations based on political affiliations.
The agent claimed his superior showed notable enthusiasm when he reported on Hunter Biden's alleged business dealings with Ukrainian energy company Burisma. However, when Buma raised concerns about potential Russian influence on Rudy Giuliani, who was working for the Trump campaign, his superior allegedly dismissed the matter.
Confidential information spreads beyond book draft
Beyond sharing classified information for his book, Buma allegedly took additional steps that compromised confidential material. The court documents reveal he posted excerpts containing sensitive information on various social media platforms.
According to the affidavit, the disclosed information was directly related to Buma's position as an FBI Special Agent. The material specifically detailed the bureau's investigations and efforts regarding a foreign nation's weapons of mass destruction program.
The U.S. Attorney's Office Central District of California has confirmed that following his arrest, Buma was released on a $100,000 bond. He currently faces one misdemeanor count related to the disclosure of confidential information.
Legal consequences and security implications
The case highlights the delicate balance between personal expression and national security obligations for federal agents. Buma's decision to share classified information, regardless of his motivations, has resulted in serious legal repercussions.
The timing of his arrest at JFK International Airport while attempting to board an international flight adds another layer of complexity to the case. This detail has raised questions about his intentions and the potential risks associated with the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information.
The incident exemplifies the ongoing challenges faced by federal law enforcement agencies in maintaining operational security while addressing internal dissent and criticism.
The road ahead for federal agent
Johnathan Buma, a veteran FBI agent with 15 years of service, was apprehended at JFK International Airport on Monday while attempting to board an international flight. He faces charges related to the unauthorized disclosure of classified FBI documents and messages, which he allegedly used in writing a book about his career at the bureau.
The case stems from his printing of approximately 130 classified files and subsequent sharing of this information with associates, including details about investigations into a foreign country's weapons of mass destruction program. Following his arrest, Buma was released on a $100,000 bond and now faces a misdemeanor charge for disclosing confidential information.
