New disclosures identify a former intelligence official as a key behind-the-scenes source in the 2019 Ukraine whistleblower complaint, with prior ties to the Russia investigation.
A previously unidentified figure central to the 2019 Ukraine impeachment proceedings has been named as a former U.S. intelligence officer with documented involvement in earlier investigations related to alleged Russian election interference, according to aJust the News report.
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The individual, Gavin Wilde, is reported to have been the source known as “Witness 2,” whose information helped advance the whistleblower complaint that led to President Donald Trump’s impeachment by the House of Representatives. The identification follows the release of declassified materials by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, which included transcripts and supporting documents tied to the original complaint.
According to the report, Wilde had previously served in roles within the National Security Agency and the National Security Council, where he worked on issues related to Russia, cybersecurity, and election security. U.S. officials familiar with the matter said his professional background and publicly available biographical details align with those described by “Witness 2” during the 2019 inquiry.
The declassified records indicate that Wilde assisted the primary whistleblower in preparing and submitting concerns about a July 25, 2019, phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. That call became the focal point of the impeachment case. Investigators were told that “Witness 2” played a key role in shaping the narrative presented in the complaint, with Inspector General Michael Atkinson later confirming that the witness’s input was instrumental in moving the complaint forward.
During his 2019 interview with investigators, “Witness 2” described his motivation as a matter of principle, stating he felt a “moral and patriotic duty” to assist. He also said he wanted “to sleep the sleep of the just,” according todeclassified interview notes. The same documents show that he characterized Trump’s statements during the call as “not okay” and described them as “an affront to truth, justice and the American way.”
However, testimony from Atkinson indicated that the witness did not have direct confirmation of the finalized transcript of the call and instead relied on recollections and interpretations. Lawmakers noted that “Witness 2” acknowledged drawing conclusions by “reading between the lines,” including inferring a connection to the 2020 election despite no explicit reference in the conversation.
The newly surfaced information also details Wilde’s involvement in earlier intelligence efforts, including participation in the January 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment on Russian election interference. That assessment concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin sought to influence the 2016 election, though subsequent reviews by the CIA acknowledged flaws in tradecraft and sourcing.
In addition, records show that “Witness 2” had a professional connection to former FBI agent Peter Strzok, who played a central role in the Crossfire Hurricane investigation into alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Strzok was later dismissed from the FBI following the discovery of text messages expressing political bias.
Source: SGT Report
