The White House said Russia obtained a “troubling” anti-satellite weapon that is not currently operational, seemingly confirming a warning issued by the House Intelligence Committee chairman Wednesday that the U.S. was facing a “serious national security threat” involving Russia.
The White House said there is no “immediate threat to anyone’s safety.”
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the weapon cannot directly cause “physical destruction” on Earth and noted there is “no immediate threat to anyone’s safety.”
Kirby said Russia has retained the capability but a weapon is not yet operational.
Kirby also said lawmakers are being briefed about the anti-satellite capability.
The White House message follows a vague statement from House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner (R-Ohio) on Wednesday that said members of Congress were told of “a serious national security threat.” Turner asked that President Joe BIden “declassify all information” related to the threat so lawmakers could “discuss the actions necessary to respond.” Amid growing blowback Thursday, Turner doubled down and defended his choice to alert the public to the impending threat, adding it was cleared by the Biden administration.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.