FBI Director James Comey said Monday he would not pledge to investigate how the media obtained classified information relating to the Russia probe, McClatchy reported.
"I can't, but I hope people watching know how seriously we take leaks of classified information," Comey said in response to Rep. Trey Gowdy's request for an investigation during a House Intelligence Committee hearing on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. "But I don't want to confirm it by saying we're investigating it. I'm sorry I have to draw that line, but that's the right way to be."
The Washington Post in early March reported on two previously undisclosed conversations Attorney General Jeff Sessions had with the Russian ambassador to the United States, a story that led to Sessions recusing himself from any investigations into Russia.
There was also a reveal by The New York Times in early February of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn's conversations with the same Russian ambassador regarding American sanctions against Russia. Flynn resigned shortly after the report was released.
"It is a serious crime," Comey said after Gowdy referenced the articles. "I won't comment on those particular articles, because I don't want to in any circumstance compound a criminal act by confirming that it was classified information. But in general, yes, it is a serious crime and should be for the reasons that you said."
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