Tens of thousands of Spaniards demand the resignation of Valencia leader for bungling flood response

VALENCIA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards marched in the eastern city of Valencia on Saturday to demand the resignation of the regional president in charge of the emergency response to last week’s catastrophic floods that left more than 200 dead and others missing.

A group of protestors clashed with riot police in front of Valencia's city hall, where the protestors started their march to the seat of the regional government. Police used batons to beat them back.

Regional leader Carlos Mazón is under immense pressure after his administration failed to issue flood alerts to citizens’ cellphones until hours after the flooding started on the night of Oct. 29.

Many marchers held up homemade signs or chanted “Mazón Resign!” Others carried signs with messages like “You Killed Us!” Upon arrival at the regional government seat, some protesters slung mud on the building and left handprints of the muck on its facade.

Earlier on Saturday, Mazón told regional broadcaster À Punt that “there will be time to hold officials accountable,” but that now “is time to keep cleaning our streets, helping people and rebuilding.”

He said that he “respected” the march.

Mazón, of the conservative Popular Party, is also being criticized for what people perceive as the slow and chaotic response to the natural disaster. Thousands of volunteers were the first boots on the ground in many of the hardest hit areas on Valencia’s southern outskirts. It took days for officials to mobilize the thousands of police reinforcements and soldiers that the regional government asked central authorities to send in.

In Spain, regional governments are charged with handling civil protection and can ask the national government in Madrid, led by the Socialists, for extra resources.

Mazón has defended his handling of the crisis saying that its magnitude was unforeseeable and that his administration didn’t receive sufficient warnings from central authorities.

But Spain’s weather agency issued a red alert, the highest level of warning, for bad weather as early as 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning as the disaster loomed.

Some communities were flooded by 6 p.m. It took until after 8 p.m. for Mazón’s administration to send out alerts to people’s cellphones.

Mazón was with Spain’s royals and Socialist prime minister when they were pelted with mud by enraged residents during their first visit to a devastated area last weekend.

Sara Sánchez Gurillo attended the protest because she had lost her brother-in-law, 62-year-old Candido Molina Pulgarín. She said his body was found in a field of orange trees after he was trapped by the water in his home in the town of Cheste, west of Valencia.

She wanted Mazón to go, but also had harsh words for the country's leaders.

“It’s shameful what has happened,” Sánchez said. “They knew that the sky was going to fall and yet they didn’t warn anyone. They didn’t evacuate the people. We want them to resign!”

“The central government should have taken charge. They should have sent in the army earlier. The king should have made them send it in. Why do we want him as a symbolic figure? He is worthless. The people are alone. They have abandoned us.”

The death toll stood at 220 victims on Saturday, with 212 coming in the eastern Valencia region, as the search for bodies goes on.

Thousands more lost their homes and streets are still covered in mud and debris 11 days since the arrival of a tsunami-like wave following a record deluge.

Demonstrators clash with riot police after a peaceful protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazón, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Riot police chases demonstrators during minor clashes after a peaceful protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazón, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Riot police walks by a graffiti reading in spanish "murderers" during minor clashes after a peaceful protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazon, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Demonstrators run away from riot police during minor clashes after a peaceful protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazon, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Riot police stand next to a government building littered by some demonstrators during minor clashes after a peaceful protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazon, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Demonstrators shout as riot police watches duringa protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazón, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

A demonstrator holds his hands up in front of riot police during a protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazón, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Demonstrators confront riot police during a protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazón, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Demonstrators gather for a protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazón, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Demonstrators shout slogans as they gather for a protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazón, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Demonstrators confront riot police during a protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazón, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

A demonstrator kneels in front of riot police during a protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazón, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Residents wait for public transportation in an area, affected by floods, in Paiporta, Valencia, Spain, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

People sweep away mud during the clean up operation after flooding in Massanassa on the outskirts of Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

Dolores Merchan, 67, looks down on her mud-splattered belongings from the house where she has lived all her life with her husband and three children, and which has been severely affected by the floods in Masanasa, Valencia, Spain, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Thousands of demonstrators gather infant of the city council for a protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazón, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Thousands of demonstrators gather in front of the city council for a protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "MazÛn, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Demonstrators shout as they gather for a protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazón, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Demonstrators gather for a protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazón, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Thousands of demonstrators gather infant of the city council for a protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "MazÛn, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

A demonstrator shouts during a protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazón, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Demonstrators gather for a protest organized by social and civic groups, denouncing the handling of recent flooding under the slogan "Mazón, Resign," aimed at the president of the regional government Carlos Mazon, in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge sentenced a Massachusetts Air National Guard member to 15 years in prison Tuesday for leaking classified military documents about the war in Ukraine, actions prosecutors said put the country's national security at risk, endangered other military members and damaged U.S. relationships with its allies.

Jack Teixeira had pleaded guilty in March to six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information under the Espionage Act, nearly a year after his arrest in the most consequential national security breach in years. Wearing an orange jumpsuit in court, he showed no reaction as he was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani.

“Today, Mr. Teixeira has paid a very heavy price for laws he broke, for the incredible damage that he caused," Acting Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Josh Levy said afterward. “This significant sentence sends a powerful message to every individual who holds a top secret clearance. Anyone who willfully threatens our national security by illegally disseminating classified information will face very serious repercussions.”

Jodi Cohen, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Boston Division, told reporters the sentence held Teixeira accountable for “being one of the most prolific leakers of classified information in American history.”

“This former Air National Guardsman grossly betrayed our country and the oath he took to safeguard its secrets in order to boost his ego and impress his friends,” Cohen said. “This was not a victimless crime. The exceptionally grave damage he caused will impact our national security for decades to come.”

The leaks exposed to the world unvarnished secret assessments of Russia’s war in Ukraine, including information about troop movements in Ukraine, and the provision of supplies and equipment to Ukrainian troops. Teixeira also admitted posting information about a U.S. adversary’s plans to harm U.S. forces serving overseas.

Outside court, Teixeira’s attorney Michael Bachrach called it a “very difficult day” for his client and said Talwani imposed a “very severe punishment.” Still, he said, it was better than taking the case to trial, where Teixeira would have faced 30 years to life behind bars.

“It’s a significant sentence that will deter others,” Bachrach said. “But it’s also one that will allow him to self-reflect and grow. And we fully expect that he will be doing so.”

Before he was sentenced, Teixeira showed little emotion as he stood in court and apologized for his actions. The 22-year-old had previously admitted he illegally collected some of the nation’s most sensitive secrets and shared them with other users on the social media platform Discord.

“I wanted to say I’m sorry for all the harm that I brought and caused,” Teixeira said. “I understand all the responsibility and consequences fall upon my shoulders alone and accept whatever that will bring.”.

Afterward, Teixeira hugged one of his attorneys, looked toward his family and smiled before being led from court. His family left without commenting to reporters but his mother and others did submit letters to the court seeking leniency.

"I know Jack deeply regrets his actions and is ready to accept his punishment for his part in this situation," his mother, Dawn Dufault, wrote. “While I understand the severity of his charges and the importance of ensuring justice, I implore you, Your Honor, to consider Jack’s true nature and his unique challenges, as I have observed over the years.”

The security breach raised alarm over the country's ability to protect its most closely guarded secrets and forced the Biden administration to scramble to try to contain the diplomatic and military fallout. The leaks also embarrassed the Pentagon, which tightened controls to safeguard classified information and disciplined members found to have intentionally failed to take required action about Teixeira’s suspicious behavior.

Earlier in court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Dolan told Talwani that 200 months — little more than 16 1/2 years - was appropriate given the “historic” damage from Teixeira's breach in aiding America's adversaries and hurting its allies. He also said such a sentence would send a message to anyone in the military who might consider similar conduct.

“It will be a cautionary tale for the men and women in the U.S. military,” Dolan said. “They are going to be told this is what happens if you break your promise, if you betray your country ... They will know the defendant’s name. They will know the sentence the court imposes.”

But Bachrach told the judge Tuesday that 11 years was sufficient and would amount to half of the 22-year-old's life.

“It is a significant, harsh and difficult sentence, one that will not be easy to serve,” Bachrach said, adding that Talwani should consider that his client was diagnosed with autism.

Defense attorneys had described Teixeira as an autistic, isolated individual who spent most of his time online, especially with his Discord community. They said his actions, though criminal, were never meant to “harm the United States,” and he had no prior criminal record.

“Instead, his intent was to educate his friends about world events to make certain they were not misled by misinformation,” they wrote. “To Jack, the Ukraine war was his generation’s World War II or Iraq, and he needed someone to share the experience with.”

Prosecutors countered in court filngs that Teixeira did not suffer from any intellectual disability and understood what he was doing was wrong. They wrote that his post-arrest diagnosis of “mild, high-functioning” autism was of “questionable relevance” to the proceedings.

Teixeira, of North Dighton, Massachusetts, was part of the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts. He worked as a cyber transport systems specialist, which is essentially an information technology specialist responsible for military communications networks. He remains in the Air National Guard in an unpaid status, an Air Force official said.

Authorities said he first typed out classified documents he accessed and then began sharing photographs of files that bore SECRET and TOP SECRET markings. Prosecutors also said he tried to cover his tracks before his arrest, and authorities found a smashed tablet, laptop and an Xbox gaming console in a dumpster at his house.

Special Agent in Charge FBI, Boston Division Jodi Cohen, faces reporters during a news conference following a sentencing hearing for Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira, at federal court, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Acting U.S. Attorney District of Massachusetts Joshua Levy, right, faces reporters as Special Agent in Charge FBI, Boston Division Jodi Cohen, left, looks on following a sentencing hearing for Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira at federal court, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Acting U.S. Attorney District of Massachusetts Joshua Levy, right, faces reporters as Special Agent in Charge FBI, Boston Division Jodi Cohen, left, looks on following a sentencing hearing for Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira at federal court, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Michael Bachrach, defense attorney for Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira, faces reporters outside federal court following a sentencing hearing for Teixeira, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Acting U.S. Attorney District of Massachusetts Joshua Levy faces reporters following a sentencing hearing for Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira at federal court, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Thomas Dufault, center right, stepfather of Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira, departs federal court, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Boston, following a sentencing hearing for Jack Teixeira. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Thomas Dufault, front, stepfather of Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira, departs federal court, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Boston, following a sentencing hearing for Jack Teixeira. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Jack Michael Teixeira, center, father of Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira. arrives at federal court for his son's sentencing hearing, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Boston,. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Jack Michael Teixeira, center, father of Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira. arrives at federal court for his son's sentencing hearing, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Boston,. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Jack Michael Teixeira, center, father of Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira. arrives at federal court for his son's sentencing hearing, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Boston,. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

FILE - This artist depiction shows Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira, right, appearing in U.S. District Court in Boston, April 14, 2023. (Margaret Small via AP, File)