FBI arrests US government contractor accused of leaking classified intelligence reports

Ian A. Brinksman, a 42-year-old US government contractor from Washington, DC, was arrested on October 23 after investigators searched his home. The Justice Department accuses him of unlawfully sharing national defence information with someone he was romantically involved with who published material on Substack. Investigators say at least five articles published in 2026 closely matched classified reports Brinksman allegedly accessed beyond his authorised duties. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.