Couple denies crashing state party
Source: Agencies |
December 2, 2009, Wednesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THE couple that got into the White House state dinner for the visiting Indian prime minister without showing invitations denied yesterday that they were gatecrashers.
Appearing on a nationally broadcast morning news show with his wife, Tareq Salahi said the furor surrounding him and his wife Michaele over their attendance at the dinner a week ago has been a "most devastating" experience.
Salahi told NBC's "Today" show yesterday that there's more to their side of the story - an explanation that would exonerate them from allegations of misconduct in the breach of White House security. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs, appearing on the same program, stood by the administration's position that the Salahis had not been invited.
"This wasn't a misunderstanding," Gibbs said. "You don't show up at the White House as a misunderstanding."
For his part, Salahi said he and his wife were cooperating with the Secret Service in its investigation of the incident a week ago. And he said they both have "great respect" for President Barack Obama.
"We're greatly saddened by all the circumstances ... portraying my wife and I as party crashers. I can tell you we did not party-crash the White House," Salahi said.
The White House gate caper has captivated a capital known for its high-end social life.
Earlier, Gibbs said that Obama and his wife, Michelle, were both upset by the incursion.
Appearing on a nationally broadcast morning news show with his wife, Tareq Salahi said the furor surrounding him and his wife Michaele over their attendance at the dinner a week ago has been a "most devastating" experience.
Salahi told NBC's "Today" show yesterday that there's more to their side of the story - an explanation that would exonerate them from allegations of misconduct in the breach of White House security. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs, appearing on the same program, stood by the administration's position that the Salahis had not been invited.
"This wasn't a misunderstanding," Gibbs said. "You don't show up at the White House as a misunderstanding."
For his part, Salahi said he and his wife were cooperating with the Secret Service in its investigation of the incident a week ago. And he said they both have "great respect" for President Barack Obama.
"We're greatly saddened by all the circumstances ... portraying my wife and I as party crashers. I can tell you we did not party-crash the White House," Salahi said.
The White House gate caper has captivated a capital known for its high-end social life.
Earlier, Gibbs said that Obama and his wife, Michelle, were both upset by the incursion.
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