Rep. Peter King: Punish journalists for leaks

The chairman of the House Subcommittee on Counterintelligence and Terrorism says that journalists who exposed controversial surveillance programs should be punished.

Rep. Peter King (R-NY) told CNN that it’s fair to punish both the leakers and those who publish the information. “If they willingly knew that this was classified information, I think actions should be taken, especially something of this magnitude,” Rep King said. “I think, with something of this magnitude, there is an obligation — both moral, but also legal — against a reporter disclosing something which would so severely compromise national security.” Rep King then responded directly to the question about punishing journalists: “The answer is yes, to your question.” Rep King also called leaker Edward Snowden a “traitor,” arguing that he violated the Espionage Act.