The White House on Tuesday evening responded to an email from a senior USAID official ordering remaining staffers to destroy documents.
The document shredding took place at the Ronald Reagan Building Tuesday.
Thousands of USAID workers were placed on administrative leave so the building is being cleared out.
“Shred as many documents first, and reserve the burn bags for when the shredder becomes unavailable or needs a break,” the email from USAID’s acting executive director, Erica Carr said.
“The only labeling required on the burn bags are the words “SECRET” and “USAID/(B/IO)” in dark sharpie if possible,” the email said.
The email was obtained by Propublica, Politico and CBS News.
Hellbound and Down 