Washington D.C. Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe testified before a Senate committee regarding a group chat that discussed potential military strikes in Yemen. The chat, which mistakenly included a journalist, sparked concerns about the handling of sensitive information.
During questioning by Senator Mark Warner, D-Va., Gabbard declined to confirm whether she was part of the group chat but asserted that any communications she engaged in did not contain classified material. Ratcliffe echoed this sentiment, stating his messages were also unclassified.
Senator Warner pressed Ratcliffe on why the committee was not informed about the chat prior to the hearing. Ratcliffe did not provide a specific reason, but reiterated his belief that the messages did not compromise national security.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about secure communication channels and the potential for leaks within government agencies. The committee is continuing its investigation into the matter.
Gabbard, Ratcliffe: Yemen Strike Chat Contained No Classified Info
Former DNI Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated under oath that a group chat discussing potential military strikes in Yemen did not include classified information. The chat, which inadvertently included a journalist, raised concerns about information security. Senator Mark Warner questioned both officials about the incident and the lack of prior notification to his committee. Both Gabbard and Ratcliffe maintained the communications were unclassified.
Source: Read the original article at NBC