President Barack Obama acknowledged Friday that the United States "tortured some folks" after the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, but cautioned people not to rush to judgment.
Obama admitted Friday that U.S. intelligence agents did things that were "contrary" to U.S. values, but said security officials did not know if another terrorist attack on the U.S. was imminent and were under enormous pressure.
The president asked Americans not to be too "sanctimonious" today about a situation that existed in 2001.
Obama spoke in anticipation of a declassified U.S. Senate report on apparent harsh treatment of terror suspects by the CIA after the September 11 attacks.
The CIA has long been accused of brutal practices and torture in carrying out what it calls "enhanced interrogation techniques."
Obama outlawed such actions after taking office in 2009, but had avoided using the word "torture."
