Officials have begun large-scale destruction of classified documents, including using shredders and ‘burn bags’

Officials at the US Agency for International Development (USAid) have begun a large-scale destruction of classified documents at their headquarters in the Ronald Reagan Building including with shredders and using “burn bags”, according to an internal email seen by the Guardian.

The email, sent by Acting USAid Secretary Erica Y Carr, instructs staff on procedures for clearing “classified safes and personnel documents” through shredding and the use of “burn bags” marked “SECRET” throughout the day on Tuesday.