Robert Philip Hanssen, the former FBI agent who notoriously betrayed his country by providing classified information to the Soviet Union and Russia, has died while in custody, as announced by the Federal Bureau of Prisons on Monday.
Hanssen had been serving his sentence at the United States Penitentiary (USP) Florence ADMAX in Colorado since July 17, 2002.
According to a statement from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Hanssen was found unresponsive at approximately 6:55 am on June 5, 2023, at USP Florence ADMAX. Prison staff immediately initiated life-saving measures and called for emergency medical services (EMS), but unfortunately, Hanssen was pronounced deceased by EMS personnel.
In 2001, Hanssen pleaded guilty to 15 counts of espionage and conspiracy, striking a deal with the government to avoid the death penalty.
During his espionage activities, Hanssen compromised the identities of numerous Soviet individuals working for the United States, resulting in severe consequences for some, including executions. He provided sensitive information about US technical operations such as surveillance, eavesdropping, and communication interception. Additionally, he shared classified details about US plans for responding to a potential Soviet nuclear attack, encompassing the protection of high-ranking government officials and the retaliatory measures to be taken.
At his 2002 sentencing, Hanssen expressed remorse, apologizing for his actions and acknowledging the profound damage he caused. He admitted to betraying the trust of many and deeply hurting his innocent wife and children.
