The US airman accused of leaking confidential intelligence and defence documents has been officially charged in a court appearance in Boston.
Jack Teixeira, 21, wore shackles and a prison uniform as he stood before a federal judge.
After a shout of “love you, Jack” from a person in the courtroom, the defendant replied, “you too, dad”.
Mr Teixeira faces up to 15 years in prison over charges of unauthorized transmission of defence information.
He is also charged with the unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents.
The airman faces up to 10 years in prison for the first charge, and up to five years in prison for the second.
The dozens of leaked documents had revealed US assessments of the war in Ukraine as well as sensitive secrets about American allies.
The leaks embarrassed Washington and raised fresh questions over the security of classified information.
Mr Teixeira was arrested by armed FBI agents at his family home in Massachusetts on Thursday.
The judge ruled that the suspect qualifies for a public defender – a lawyer employed at public expense in a criminal trial for people who cannot afford legal fees.
Mr Teixeira remains in custody until his detention trial on 19 April. US prosecutors have asked that he remain detained until his trial at a later date.
The BBC’s US news partner CBS reported that as the hearing ended, a man in the courtroom shouted, “love you, Jack”.
Mr Teixeira did not look back, but responded, “you too, dad,” according to a CNN reporter inside the courtroom.
US President Joe Biden thanked law enforcement in a statement for their “rapid action” to investigate the source of the leaks. He said he has directed US military and intelligence to secure and limit the distribution of any more sensitive information.
Source: BBC
