John Kirby in an interview with CNN on Monday, October 9th. CNN
The White House said it was prepared for news that more Americans were killed in Israel over the weekend.
“It’s hard to say, but unfortunately yes,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told CNN, becoming visibly emotional. “I think we here at the White House are bracing for the possibility that more Americans could be killed in these horrific, reprehensible attacks.”
There are still a number of Americans who are missing and whose whereabouts are unknown, he said, adding that the Biden administration is “deeply concerned about the possibility – the likelihood – that some of these Americans are now also being targeted by Hamas.” could be held hostage.”
As Kirby spoke with CNN’s Jake Tapper, the White House increased the number of confirmed Americans killed in the terrorist attacks from nine to 11. Asked about the horrific murder images that were circulating, Kirby appeared to be struggling to maintain composure.
“Yeah,” Kirby said, pausing. “Sorry. It’s… it’s very – excuse me – very difficult to look at these images and the human cost. These are people, they’re family, they’re friends, they’re loved ones, cousins, brothers, sisters. Yes, it is difficult and I apologize.”
Iran’s involvement? Earlier in the interview, Kirby was asked about a report in the Wall Street Journal that Iran played a role in the attack. He said there was “no question that Iran was complicit here.”
“They have been supporting Hamas for many, many years now: with resources, training, skills, certainly rhetorically. The Supreme Leader is out there basically cheering on this attack,” Kirby said. “There is a complicity there. But what we haven’t seen – and our Israeli colleagues have said the same thing – we simply haven’t seen any information or evidence that directly links Iran to this complex, as you put it, very complex series of attacks in the last few days.”
Kirby said the U.S. would continue to investigate the matter and “share our views with the Israeli intelligence community.”