Federal authorities arrested Courtney Williams, a former U.S. Army Special Operations Command veteran, on Thursday following charges related to the unauthorized disclosure of classified national defense information.
The Department of Justice alleges that Williams, who held a Top Secret security clearance, leaked sensitive details regarding classified Delta Force tactics, techniques, and procedures to a journalist.
According to the indictment, these disclosures were intended for use in a 2025 book focused on operations at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Williams served in a Special Military Unit at Fort Bragg from 2010 to 2016, a period during which she gained access to highly restricted operational data.
Federal investigators state that the illegal communications occurred between 2022 and 2025, involving the transmission of information that the government maintains could cause serious damage to national security.
Evidence presented in the case includes excerpts from personal communications where Williams reportedly expressed concerns to her mother about the possibility of being arrested for her actions.
The Department of Justice noted that the leaked information specifically detailed Specialized Military Unit protocols, which are among the most guarded secrets in the United States military.
Prosecutors argue that these disclosures put current warfighters and international allies at significant risk by exposing operational methodologies to the public.
The arrest comes amid a broader push by the Trump administration to crack down on leaks within the intelligence and defense communities.
Williams is currently facing federal charges under the Espionage Act, which carries the potential for significant prison time if she is convicted.
Military experts indicate that the leak of Delta Force tactics is particularly damaging because these specialized units rely on secrecy to maintain a strategic advantage.
Legal representatives for Williams have not yet released a formal statement regarding the specific allegations or the evidence cited by federal investigators.
Officials emphasized that the protection of classified information remains a top priority for maintaining the safety of personnel operating in high-risk environments globally.