CNN's Brian Stelter: Jeff Sessions' accusation that media have put lives at risk “demands evidence, it demands proof”

From the August 4 edition of CNN’s At This Hour with Kate Bolduan:

Video file

ATTORNEY GENERAL JEFF SESSIONS: I have listened to our career investigators, FBI agents and others, and our prosecutors about how to most successfully investigate and prosecute these matters. At their suggestion, one of the things we are doing is reviewing policies affecting media subpoenas. We respect the important role that the press plays and will give them respect, but it is not unlimited. They cannot place lives at risk with impunity. We must balance the press's role with protecting our national security and the lives of those who serve in the intelligence community, the armed forces, and all law-abiding Americans.

ANA CABRERA (HOST): Brian, your reaction to that?

BRIAN STELTER: Number one, he is suggesting that some reporters who published stories involving leaks have placed lives at risk. That kind of empty rhetoric demands evidence, it demands proof. And yet, he held this press conference and then didn't take any questions. He left the room without providing that kind of proof. So that's disappointing.

Related:

CBS News: “This culture of leaking must stop,” Sessions says, threatening media subpoenas

Previously:

On Reliable Sources, media figures describe the “uptick” in harassment they've received for doing their jobs

CNN’s Brian Stelter: Trump is emulating autocrats who suppress a free press

The Trump administration's war on the press