A former FBI agent who previously alleged that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani may have been compromised by Russian agents has been detained at John F. Kennedy International Airport while attempting to leave the country. The arrest marks a significant turn in a case involving unauthorized leaks of classified FBI intelligence.
The criminal complaint filed on Tuesday accuses Jonathan Buma, a 15-year FBI veteran specializing in counterintelligence, of unlawfully disclosing sensitive information. Prosecutors allege that in October 2023, Buma accessed and printed nearly 130 classified files from FBI networks without authorization. Among these files were at least eight reports containing sensitive intelligence on a foreign adversary, as well as information provided by confidential human sources—all of which were clearly marked with warnings indicating their classified status.
Additionally, authorities claim that Buma took screenshots of encrypted messages exchanged with a confidential source and that some of these messages later surfaced in a news article. This alleged leak has raised concerns over the compromise of national security intelligence and the exposure of classified investigations.
In a further twist, Buma had reportedly informed his superiors of his intent to take an unpaid leave of absence to work on an autobiographical book. However, prosecutors argue that Buma was not discreet about the book’s contents, as he allegedly shared excerpts via email and social media. The draft reportedly contained sensitive details about the FBI’s investigations into a foreign nation’s weapons of mass destruction program—a revelation that has only added to the gravity of the charges against him.
“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 criminal complaint states.
Attorney Scott Horton, speaking on behalf of Buma, criticized the FBI’s actions, suggesting the agency was attempting to suppress politically inconvenient counterintelligence findings.
“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,” Horton stated.
Buma was arraigned Tuesday in a federal court in Brooklyn, although the charges were filed in California. He was released after posting a $100,000 bond and has yet to enter a plea, according to ABC News. His legal team has not yet responded to media inquiries.
FBI Also Investigating Tesla Attacks and Swatting Incidents
Amid Buma’s legal troubles, the FBI has been tackling a separate wave of security concerns, including attacks on Tesla dealerships and service centers, as well as a rise in swatting incidents—hoax emergency calls that send heavily armed police teams to targeted locations.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced that the agency is actively investigating acts of vandalism and arson at Tesla properties, with one recent attack occurring at a Tesla collision center in Las Vegas. The facility was set on fire, and the word “Resist” was spray-painted on the building. Federal authorities are considering whether these incidents could be classified as domestic terrorism.
The attacks come amid controversy surrounding Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has been a vocal critic of government bureaucracy and has made significant cost-cutting measures impacting federal agencies. Some officials, including President Donald Trump, have condemned the incidents as politically motivated acts of domestic terrorism targeting Musk’s company.
“Communication and transparency are my priorities. We work for you, the American citizen,” Bongino wrote in a statement. “Our teams are actively working on the Tesla incidents and the swatting incidents, along with our other responsibilities to keep the Homeland safe.”
Swatting, a dangerous form of harassment, has increasingly been used as a political weapon, with high-profile individuals and businesses targeted in an attempt to cause chaos or endanger lives. The FBI’s ongoing investigation will determine whether these events are isolated incidents or part of a broader, coordinated effort.
Conclusion
As the FBI continues to grapple with internal security breaches and external threats, the cases of Jonathan Buma and the Tesla-related attacks highlight the challenges facing federal law enforcement. Buma’s alleged leak of classified materials, his attempted departure from the country, and the ongoing Tesla terrorism investigation all underscore the complex legal and national security landscape unfolding in real time.
With investigations underway and high-profile figures involved, these developments could have far-reaching implications for U.S. counterintelligence policies and federal law enforcement operations.