In a significant development, Johnathan Buma, an FBI agent with a 15-year tenure, was arrested on March 17, 2025, at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. His arrest comes as he allegedly attempted to board an international flight, facing charges for unlawfully disclosing classified information. Buma, previously known for his outspoken criticism regarding perceived political bias within the FBI during President Donald Trump’s first term, reportedly printed and shared confidential documents as part of an uncompleted book about his experiences within the bureau.
According to court documents filed on March 18, Buma is accused of printing approximately 130 files from the FBI's internal network in October 2023, many of which were marked with clear protection warnings and restrictions. He allegedly transmitted these sensitive materials to associates in the course of developing his manuscript, which included critical details surrounding the agency’s 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," the court documents state.
His arrest is part of a broader inquiry that reportedly commenced during the Biden administration, notably following an FBI raid on his home late last year amid suspicions of mishandling classified information. During a preliminary hearing at a Brooklyn federal court, Buma was released on a $100,000 bail, but he has not yet entered a plea, and further proceedings are set to take place in California.
Throughout his career, Buma has raised several concerns regarding the FBI’s handling of politically sensitive investigations. In a whistleblower complaint filed in January 2022, he alleged various acts of intelligence suppression tied to foreign intelligence matters. Buma expressed frustration in 2023 when discussing with Business Insider how he reported potential criminal activities involving Hunter Biden and the Ukrainian energy company Burisma. While his boss was “adamant” about advancing that particular case, efforts to highlight connections between former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani and a Russian counter-influence operation were swiftly dismissed by superiors.
Buma’s actions have sparked discussions regarding the treatment and protection of whistleblowers in federal agencies. His ongoing criticism of the bureau and its perceived bias has attracted both support and scrutiny from various quarters, fueling debate over the organization's integrity, particularly when the FBI has simultaneously faced allegations of having a politically biased agenda.
In September 2023, shortly before Buma's arrest, he claimed that the FBI’s policies were detrimental to national security, voicing concerns that the agency was not transparent or accountable in its investigations. The fallout from Buma's comments and actions exemplifies tensions within the FBI, where agents face challenges balancing their duties and their ethical decisions to reveal what they perceive as wrongdoing.
The case against Buma adds to the ongoing dialogue regarding classified information and its management, as multiple incidents have surfaced highlighting challenges faced by members of the intelligence community in handling sensitive material appropriately. As the criminal proceedings move forward, the repercussions of Buma's actions and his subsequent arrest will likely prompt increased scrutiny both of him as an individual and of the operational protocols within the FBI.
Buma continues to maintain that he acted in good faith and has received legal representation from attorneys who argue against any wrongdoing on his part. Following his home raid, his lawyer, Scott Horton, reported that despite the undercover investigation's depth, no classified information was found to substantiate the charges being leveled against Buma.
The unfolding saga not only demonstrates the complexities surrounding the disclosure of classified information but also raises essential questions about the FBI’s handling of sensitive intelligence matters. As federal authorities move to prosecute Buma for disclosing confidential documents, the outcomes could set notable precedents for how such cases are treated in the future.
In conclusion, Johnathan Buma’s arrest underscores a critical moment in the ongoing examination of political bias within federal agencies and the protection of whistleblowers. His next court appearances will undoubtedly draw attention not just to his case but to broader accountability issues within the FBI.
