The US whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg has passed away at the age of 92, according to a statement from his family. Ellsberg had revealed the so-called Pentagon Papers in the early 1970s, making public the US government’s secret plans for the Vietnam War. He was charged with espionage and faced up to 115 years in prison, but all charges were dropped in 1973. Ellsberg was a military analyst, author, and peace activist who had been warning about the dangers of nuclear war in recent years.

Revealing the Pentagon Papers

Daniel Ellsberg was responsible for revealing the Pentagon Papers, which contained classified information related to the Vietnam War. The leak sparked a major controversy and led to Ellsberg being charged with several serious crimes, including espionage. However, the charges were ultimately dropped after it was revealed that the government had unlawfully wiretapped Ellsberg and engaged in other illegal activities.

Warning About Nuclear War

In recent years, Ellsberg had been speaking out about the dangers of nuclear war. He argued that the US government’s nuclear policy was putting the world at risk of catastrophic destruction and that urgent action was needed to reduce the threat. Ellsberg’s warnings were based on his extensive knowledge of nuclear strategy and policy, as well as his experience in government and the military.

Family Statement

Ellsberg’s family released a statement announcing his passing and thanking those who had supported him in his final days. The statement also included a humorous comment from Ellsberg himself: “If I had known dying was going to be this much fun, I would have done it a lot sooner.” Ellsberg was widely respected for his courage and integrity in standing up for what he believed was right, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.