The Associated Press’s chief State Department reporter walked out of a press briefing on Tuesday after State spokesman John Kirby refused to confirm the latest numbers of U.S. citizens injured in the terrorist attack in Brussels on Tuesday.
Kirby started the briefing by saying he would not discuss the numbers of Americans thought to be hurt in the attack, and did say State at this point is not aware that any U.S. citizens died.
But some reports have already surfaced that three Mormon missionaries from Utah were hurt, and that one U.S. servicemember and his family sustained injuries.
Based on those reports, the AP’s Matt Lee asked why State couldn’t at least provide that kind of preliminary information.
“Why can’t you just say the number that you have confirmed, and qualify it by saying it’s incomplete and it could rise?” Lee asked. “If the State Department is not able to give even a preliminary, albeit incomplete count, why?”
“Because there isn’t a confirmed count right now,” Kirby said. “The number keeps fluctuating as you might expect it will in a situation that is this fluid.”
Belgian officials later said at least nine Americans were hurt in the attacks.
When asked why no preliminary count can’t be given out, Kirby repeated that nothing has been confirmed, and said it would be “irresponsible” to give out any number now.
“Can you say that you know of three missionaries, Mormon missionaries?” Lee tried again.
“I can’t confirm the specific individuals,” Kirby said. At that point, Lee can be heard getting up from his seat and leaving the briefing.
