FBI agent Johnathan Buma, a 15-year veteran who alleged political bias in the bureau, was arrested at JFK Airport while attempting to board an international flight after allegedly leaking classified information in a book manuscript about sensitive investigations.
Top Takeaways
- Counterintelligence agent Johnathan Buma was arrested for allegedly disclosing classified information, including details about investigations into a foreign country’s WMD program.
- Buma had previously filed whistleblower complaints alleging intelligence suppression and retaliation within the FBI.
- The agent printed approximately 130 files from the FBI’s internal network, some containing sensitive information requiring protection.
- Buma claimed he was retaliated against for reporting potential criminal actions involving Hunter Biden and for allegations against Rudy Giuliani.
- The case raises significant concerns about internal security protocols within federal intelligence agencies.
Veteran FBI Agent Arrested at Airport
Johnathan Buma, a counterintelligence agent with 15 years of FBI service, was arrested at JFK Airport while attempting to board an international flight. According to court documents, Buma is charged with unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, including text messages and internal documents, while attempting to publish a book. The arrest comes after a complex investigation into allegations of both misconduct by Buma and his claims of political bias within the bureau regarding high-profile cases.
According to the charging documents, Buma’s book manuscript contained information about FBI investigations into a foreign country’s weapons of mass destruction program. “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 (‘WMD’) program,” stated part of the affidavit filed Tuesday.
BREAKING: 🚨 Anti-Trump FBI Agent Arrested As He Tries To Leave the Country
Johnathan Buma, a senior FBI agent known for his attacks on Donald Trump, was apprehended, moments before boarding an international flight at JFK Airport.
The 15-year veteran had printed over 130… pic.twitter.com/EvTuEgiPiQ
— MAGA Resource (@MAGAResource) March 20, 2025
Whistleblower Claims and Sensitive Documents
Court records show Buma filed a whistleblower complaint in January 2022, alleging “numerous acts of intelligence suppression” and retaliation within the FBI. His allegations included claims that he was punished after reporting potential criminal actions involving Hunter Biden and Burisma Holdings. Additionally, Buma alleged the bureau suppressed intelligence regarding Rudy Giuliani, who had been under investigation for his activities related to Ukraine and his work for President Trump.
Investigators found that Buma had printed approximately 130 files from the FBI’s internal network, with several marked with warnings indicating their sensitive nature. Following suspicions of mishandling classified information, federal agents raided Buma’s home in 2023, though his former attorney maintained at the time that no classified material was found during the search. The current charges, however, suggest authorities have since developed evidence of unauthorized disclosures.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Implications
Following his arrest, Buma appeared in Brooklyn federal court for a preliminary hearing and was released on $100,000 bail. The case will be transferred to federal court in California, where the charges were originally filed. Court records indicate Buma has not yet entered a plea, and his current attorney has not made public statements regarding the allegations as of this writing. If convicted, the veteran agent could face significant penalties for unauthorized disclosure of sensitive national security information.
The case highlights the ongoing challenges facing intelligence agencies in balancing whistleblower protections with safeguarding classified information. Buma’s situation demonstrates the complex tension between an individual agent’s perceived duty to expose wrongdoing and the legal obligations to protect sensitive national security information. The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of intelligence agencies’ handling of politically sensitive investigations and claims of partisan bias in law enforcement operations.
National Security Implications
The charges against Buma underscore the critical nature of protecting classified information, particularly regarding weapons of mass destruction programs in foreign countries. Security experts note that unauthorized disclosures can potentially compromise sources and methods, endangering intelligence operations and national security. The case also raises questions about internal vetting procedures and the monitoring of sensitive information access within federal law enforcement, especially for employees who have expressed disagreement with agency policies or operations.
For the FBI and other intelligence agencies, the incident represents yet another challenge in maintaining public trust while ensuring operational security. The bureau continues to face criticism from various political factions about its handling of high-profile investigations, ranging from those involving President Trump and his associates to those concerning the Biden family. This latest incident will likely intensify calls for reforms in how agencies handle internal dissent and whistleblower complaints while maintaining information security protocols.
Sources:
- FBI Agent Who Claimed Giuliani Compromised by Russia Arrested
- FBI agent critical of the bureau since Trump’s first term is arrested at JFK Airport and charged with disclosing classified info
- FBI agent who accused Trump administration of political bias charged with unlawful disclosures
