A top U.S. Army official responsible for nuclear and chemical safety was escorted from the Pentagon on Tuesday evening following the release of an undercover video in which he appeared to share classified information with a stranger.

Andrew Hugg, identified as Chief of Chemical Nuclear Surety, was placed on administrative leave pending a thorough investigation, according to Army spokesperson Cynthia O. Smith. The action came hours after independent journalist James O'Keefe published footage from O'Keefe Media Group capturing Hugg in a public restaurant conversation.

In the video, Hugg discussed several sensitive topics. He confirmed that the United States retains chemical nerve agents and revealed that a U.S. Army chemist had recently died from exposure to one during testing. Regarding recent military operations, Hugg acknowledged that American airstrikes in Iran resulted in civilian child deaths, describing them as "collateral damage." He also outlined potential U.S. plans to target Iran's prospective next supreme leader, identified in reports as Mojtaba Khamenei, if the individual "doesn't change his ways." Additionally, Hugg described real-time nuclear launch decision processes and stated that the U.S. has no intention of using nuclear weapons.

The disclosures occurred amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions stemming from American and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in 2025, which President Donald Trump claimed severely damaged Tehran's program. Leaked intelligence assessments at the time sparked controversy, with the White House criticizing reports that downplayed the strikes' impact.

Hugg's role involves overseeing safety protocols for nuclear and chemical weapons within the Department of the Army. He has held the position since at least August 2024. The undercover encounter was arranged by an investigative reporter posing as a date, with Hugg reportedly charmed by her, saying, "Your eyes have mesmerized me so much… Almost like you're an intelligence."

The Army's swift response underscores concerns over operational security at a time of heightened geopolitical risks. No further details on the investigation were immediately available, and the Pentagon has not issued additional statements. O'Keefe Media Group highlighted the video as evidence of lax handling of national security information.