Quincy Reporter

Mary Miller, representative for Illinois' 15th Congressional District, has commented on the arrest of a Defense Intelligence Agency employee accused of attempting to transmit classified information. Miller's remarks suggest the incident reveals a "deep state" within the government.

"The Far-Left traitorous Deep State has infiltrated our most critical institutions, and it's finally being exposed," said Mary E. Miller, U.S. Representative of Illinois's 15th congressional district (R), according to Facebook. "National security must always come first. Good work, Director Kash! We're coming for every last one."

Miller’s comments were made in response to a social media post by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel. According to Patel, an IT specialist employed by the Defense Intelligence Agency was arrested for attempting to transmit classified national defense information to a foreign government. "This case underscores the persistent risk of insider threats," Patel said. He further emphasized that "the FBI remains steadfast in protecting our national security and thanks our law enforcement partners for their critical support."

Screenshot of U.S. Rep. Mary Miller's May 29 post on Facebook | U.S. Rep. Mary Miller's Facebook page

The U.S. Department of Justice has identified the individual as Nathan Vilas Laatsch, 28, from Alexandria, Virginia. Laatsch was arrested on May 29 in Northern Virginia. Since 2019, he had worked as an information technology specialist in the Defense Intelligence Agency’s Insider Threat Division and held Top Secret clearance. In March, the FBI received a tip about someone offering classified information to a friendly foreign government. On May 1, Laatsch allegedly deposited a thumb drive containing multiple documents with secret or top-secret information at a public park in Northern Virginia, which was retrieved by the FBI. On May 7-8, Laatsch reportedly expressed interest in obtaining citizenship in a foreign country.

Laatsch appeared for an initial hearing before Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick on May 30 and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for June 4. According to Department of Justice prosecutor Gordon Kromberg, Laatsch could face severe penalties including "any term of years, or life, or even death," depending on case details.

Mary Miller is currently serving her term in Congress after replacing John Shimkus in 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University and resides in Oakland with her family.