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Reality Winner
NSA Whistleblower
Leaked evidence of Russian election interference, imprisoned
Overview
Reality Winner was an NSA contractor who leaked a classified report showing Russian interference in the 2016 election to The Intercept. She was sentenced to over 5 years in prison; the longest sentence ever for an unauthorized disclosure to the media; while those who benefited from Russian interference faced no consequences.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
NSA contractor who leaked classified report proving Russian cyberattacks on U.S. election infrastructure
Sentenced to 5 years and 3 months; the longest sentence ever for an unauthorized disclosure to media
Her leak confirmed what intelligence agencies were warning about Russian interference in 2016 election
Related Investigations (1)
Known Associates & Connections
Donald Trump
President whose administration aggressively prosecuted Winner for leaking evidence of Russian election interference
Jeff Sessions
Attorney General who personally announced Winner's prosecution and pledged crackdown on leakers
Edward Snowden
Fellow NSA whistleblower whose case set precedent for Espionage Act prosecutions of leakers
Daniel Hale
Fellow intelligence community whistleblower prosecuted under Espionage Act for revealing drone program details
Sources & Documentation
1 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- December 4, 1991
- Birthplace
- Alice, Texas
Education
- •Air Force training
Key Timeline
December 4, 1991
Born in Alice, Texas
2010-2016
Serves in U.S. Air Force
February 2017
Begins work as NSA contractor
May 2017
Leaks Russian interference document
June 3, 2017
Arrested
June 2018
Sentenced to 63 months
June 2021
Released to home confinement