Head of SIC questions FBI covering Petraeus affair

The head of the Senate Intelligence Committee said that she first learned about the matter from the media late last week

November 11, 2012 04:27 AM

In this Aug. 31, 2011 file photo, former Commander of International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan Gen. Davis Petraeus, standing with his wife Holly, participates in an armed forces farewell tribute and retirement ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Va.

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The head of the Senate Intelligence Committee says she wants to know why the FBI didn’t tell her sooner that agents were investigating an extramarital affair by CIA Director David Petraeus.

Feinstein tells “Fox News Sunday” that she first learned about the matter from the media late last week. Feinstein says she called Petraeus twice on Friday and was dumbstruck when he acknowledged the affair.

The California Democrat says the news was “like a lightning bolt.”

Feinstein says she’s now been briefed by the FBI but wants to know why the bureau didn’t notify her sooner because of the national security implications.

Feinstein says she initially didn’t want President Barack Obama to accept Petraeus’ resignation, but realizes now he had no choice.

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