Here’s what Americans should know.
A significant breach of security has raised questions about the handling of sensitive information surrounding former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who officially resigned from Congress just a few days ago after being nominated by President-elect Trump for the position of Attorney General. According to multiple reports, an anonymous hacker, using the alias “Altam Beezley,” managed to download confidential witness testimony related to investigations into Gaetz’s alleged misconduct.
The hacker accessed the file on Monday, which contained 24 exhibits, including testimony from two women making serious allegations against the former congressman. One woman claimed to have had sex with Gaetz when she was 17, while another stated that she had witnessed the encounter. The file also reportedly includes documents from ongoing civil defamation cases, as well as sealed records from both the Justice Department and the House Ethics Committee. The leaked materials have not been made publicly available until now, though interest in the case is at a fever pitch, given Gaetz’s impending confirmation process.
Gaetz has long been under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, and other claims. Although the Justice Department chose not to pursue charges following its probe, Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His resignation from Congress came just as the Ethics Committee was preparing to release its findings, with sources close to the situation suggesting that the report was imminent.
The Ethics Committee’s report, which is not typically made public for former lawmakers, is now under increased scrutiny. Members from both sides of the aisle are calling for its release, especially as senators consider Gaetz’s nomination to become Attorney General. Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.), the top Democrat on the Ethics Committee, expressed that the report should be made public to ensure transparency. The outcome of this case remains uncertain, but the pressure for clarity continues to build.