We all have the right to a government that will protect our nation’s interests and secrets. Those who serve, and those they protect, deserve nothing less.

Many people have rightfully gone to prison for violating these laws, and thus endangering our public servants, international partners, and national security.

Everyone entrusted with access to classified and national defense information is trained on all of these issues- and proper handling and communications protocols. They promise to uphold these laws under penalty of punishment, including possible imprisonment.

Information is classified “Top Secret” because its “unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security.”

It is a felony crime under federal law to retain, remove, or transmit national security information in an unlawful matter.

That’s why we spend enormous sums of money to protect sensitive and classified information, and why people with access are trained to restrict classified information and materials to approved, secure spaces and channels.

Generations of outstanding and dedicated career public servants at the Department of Justice have been steeped in these values.

Every day, federal prosecutors and support professionals carry out their duties with honor and integrity. I am proud to have served alongside so many fine Americans.