General fired by Hegseth referred for criminal prosecution, Pentagon says – USA Today

General fired by Hegseth referred for criminal prosecution, Pentagon says  USA Today

WASHINGTON – The U.S. military said it has made a criminal referral to the Justice Department in the case of Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, a top officer who was suddenly ousted after Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth accused him of leaking classified information. Hegseth fired Sylvia on Oct. 28 in a decision that was initially announced without explanation. Sylvia served on the Joint Staff as the director for strategy, plans and policy, a role known as the Pentagon’s chief military planner. Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell wrote in a post on X that “the Department took necessary personnel action to protect sensitive information.” “This matter, along with others, have been referred to the Justice Department for potential further legal action,” he added.

A spokesperson for the DOJ said in a statement that it “has ongoing investigations related to possible leaks of classified information.” “We work closely with our government partners, which includes the Department of War,” the spokesperson added. President Donald Trump addressed the general's firing in remarks to reporters on Oct. 29. Sylvia is “gonna have big problems,” Trump said. “We’re very much looking for leakers.” Sylvia is the latest top general to be ousted under Hegseth’s tenure. The Pentagon chief has fired or forced into retirement roughly two dozen high-ranking military officers. Hegseth has pledged to significantly reduce