Ruppersberger: Petraeus' Testimony Will Focus On Benghazi, Not Sex Scandal
WASHINGTON (WJZ)—Former CIA Director David Petraeus will appear on Capitol Hill on Friday to testify about the attack on the U.S. consulate in Libya. His testimony comes as we learn more about the scandal that forced him to resign.
Jessica Kartalija spoke to Maryland Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger, who is a key member of the committee that will hear from the general.
Ruppersberger and the entire Intelligence Committee are trying to put together a timeline to figure out who knew what and when. They are also trying to determine if any classified information was leaked.
Behind closed doors, Ruppersberger and members of the House Intelligence Committee spent hours addressing sexual misconduct allegations surrounding General Petraeus.
"I was shocked. I'm sad. I'm very concerned about his family and his son in the military and his wife. His wife must be going through very difficult times right now," Ruppersberger said.
Petraeus was the director of the CIA until last Friday when he resigned after admitting to an extramarital affair with his biographer.
"He's a true American. He's very patriotic. He wants to do what's best for his country, and I'm sure for his family," Ruppersberger said.
Even though Petraeus already resigned, he is set to testify in Washington about the deadly attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi.
Petraeus is expected to defend the CIA's actions regarding the Sept. 11 attacks that killed an U.S. ambassador and three other Americans.
The questions regarding sexual misconduct are expected to stay separate.
"We're focused on right now," Ruppersberger said. "The issue of Benghazi and his role and how things occurred. The other issue is still an ongoing investigation."
The congressman is also addressing potentially inappropriate e-mails sent between former Naval Academy commandant and four-star General John Allen and a Florida socialite.
"I'm on the board of the Naval Academy. Again, it's an unfortunate situation. But the facts aren't there. There are a lot of allegations out there. And our role now is to stay above the fray," Ruppersberger said.
The congressman says that he believes the FBI acted appropriately in waiting to notify the White House.
The State Department is conducting its own investigation into the Benghazi attack.
