Napolitano Calls Question on Saudi Deportation 'Just Not Worthy of an Answer'

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At a House Homeland Security Committee hearing this morning, Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) asked Secretary Janet Napolitano about reports that the Saudi national cleared as a person of interest in the Boston Marathon bombing is being deported for national security reasons.

“I am unaware of anyone who is being deported for national security concerns at all related to Boston,” Napolitano said. “I don’t know where that rumor came from.”

She also said it was incorrect to label the student as a onetime person of interest. “That was a wash,” she said.

Napolitano said she’s unaware of any current proceeding against the Saudi but promised Duncan she would get that clarified for him.

“I think this is an example of why it is so important to let law enforcement do its job,” she added.

Duncan questioned why they would deport someone at the scene of the bombing who “could possibly ID the bomber” and have no opportunity to question him any further. “Is that not negligence?” he asked.

Napolitano shot back that the congressman’s question was “so full of misstatements and misapprehensions that it’s just not worthy of an answer.”

“There’s been so much reported on this that’s wrong I can’t even begin to tell you, Congressman,” she added. “We will provide you with accurate information as it becomes available.”