Army nuclear official Andrew Hugg put on leave after protocol talk caught on video: Report

WASHINGTON, DC: An undercover investigation has reportedly led to a senior US Army official being placed on administrative leave after he was allegedly filmed discussing classified nuclear protocols and chemical weapon stockpiles with a stranger.

Andrew Hugg, identified as the Branch Chief of Nuclear and Chemical Surety, is at the center of allegations involving the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive military procedures during a recorded interaction at a public restaurant.

Army puts official on leave after alleged security breach

According to reports from the O’Keefe Media Group, the US Army has taken action against a high-ranking official following the release of footage captured by an undercover journalist.

The group claims that US Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith provided a statement regarding the matter, reportedly saying, “We have placed Mr Hugg on administrative leave while we conduct a thorough investigation into this matter.”

The footage allegedly shows Hugg describing his role as one that ensures "there’s no psycho people working on the weapons," adding, “You don’t want a psycho person with access to that stuff.”

The video reportedly captures the official explaining highly sensitive details regarding nuclear launch authorization.

Hugg appears to describe a system in which personnel are trained to follow orders if they pass security checks, regardless of how they are delivered.

He allegedly stated, “We’re literally trained – if a girl scout gives you a message, a launch message, she knocks on your door, goes, ‘Here you go,’ she gives you a launch message on a box of cookies. If it passes all the checks, go.”​

Who is Andrew Hugg?

In the post, Andrew Hugg is identified as a key figure in the US military’s chemical and nuclear surety office, a role that demands the highest level of security discretion.

His reported duties involve overseeing systems designed to prevent the accidental or unauthorized use of weapons of mass destruction.

The footage also allegedly captures Hugg making several personal and suggestive remarks to the undercover journalist: “The easiest way to get intelligence…send a pretty girl,” and “Your eyes have mesmerized me so much…Almost like you're an intelligence.”

He also allegedly discussed the storage of nerve agents, specifically identifying Maryland as the location by stating, “But we have it here. It’s here in Maryland. It’s in Maryland.”

Leaked footage allegedly details lethal chemical incidents and geopolitical strategies

The report further alleges that Hugg discussed the lethal capabilities of chemical agents, such as Sarin, and recounted a story about a lab chemist who was allegedly exposed and died after not wearing proper gear.

According to the footage, he claimed the agent "soaked in her clothes and it soaked through on her skin," and that the resulting contamination meant "people would die" just by touching a door she had used.

The conversation also touched on foreign policy topics and military casualties.

When the journalist asked about the deaths of children during US strikes, Hugg allegedly replied, “Not intentionally, but yeah,” and described such losses as “collateral damage.”

He was also purportedly recorded discussing potential future targets in Iran, suggesting that if the next supreme leader does not change his stance, “they're going to kill him.” While discussing these scenarios, he reportedly clarified, “We’re not going to nuke anybody.” 

It should be noted that the Army has not yet publicly addressed the specific operational details or the allegations of corruption in foreign aid mentioned in the report.