'Assange has put LIVES IN DANGER' US officials blast Wikileaks in Russian hacking probe
WIKILEAKS founder Julian Assange has put "lives in danger" by publishing top-secret US documents, American intelligence officials claim.
Julian Assange: A 14 year-old could hack Podesta's emails
James Clapper, the Director of National Intelligence, made the accusations against the activist at a Senate hearing this afternoon.
And when if Mr Assange has any credibility, Mr Clapper said: "Not in my view."
Ahead of last year's US election, Wikileaks published emails from top Democratic officials including Hillary Clinton's campaign chief John Podesta.
US officials have repeatedly claimed the emails were obtained by Russian hackers – a charge denied by Mr Assange and Moscow.
But Mr Clapper doubled-down on the accusation today.
He added: "Russia is a full-scope cyber actor that poses a major threat to US government, military, diplomatic, commercial and critical infrastructure."
US officials claim Wikileaks chief Julian Assange has put 'lives in danger'
Texan Senator John McCain said "every American should be alarmed" by Russia's alleged meddling in November election.
He called it an "unprecedented attack on our democracy" and even suggested it could be viewed as an "act of war".
But Mr Clapper said the disclosures "did not change any vote tallies".
Assange's website published emails from top Democratic officials last year
In a major interview broadcast yesterday, Mr Assange again denied Moscow was behind the leaks.
He told Fox News: "We have said repeatedly over the last two months that our source is not the Russian government and it is not a state party."
And he accused Barack Obama's administration of "trying to delegitimise" Donald Trump as he prepares to enter the White House.
The activist denied Moscow was behind the leaks in a major interview
Julian Assange: Saudi figures have been funding ISIS
Mr Trump, who will replace Mr Obama on January 20, is also sceptical that Russia was involved.
He tweeted yesterday: "Julian Assange said 'a 14 year old could have hacked Podesta' – why was DNC so careless? Also said the Russians did not give him the info!"
But the outspoken Republican later called the media "dishonest" for suggesting he is "in agreement" with Mr Assange.