Rep. Peter T. King says reporters who publish information that’s deemed classified should be punished.
Mr. King, New York Republican, made the comment during a discussion on CNN about National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden and the information that’s been leaked to The Guardian newspaper.
“If they willingly knew that this was classified information, I think actions should be taken, especially on something of this magnitude,” Mr. King said, as The Hill reported. “There is an obligation both moral, but also legal, I believe, against a reporter disclosing something which would so severely compromise national security.”
He didn’t detail in The Hill report what that punishment should entail. But some in Congress see Mr. Snowden as guilty of treason. House Speaker John A. Boehner, Ohio Republican, recently called Mr. Snowden, a former CIA analyst, a traitor, and the Justice Department is debating whether to try to extradite him from Hong Kong, where he’s fled.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.