The White House has confirmed that the national security threat flagged by the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Representative Mike Turner, is related to Russia's development of an anti-satellite capability. The confirmation comes after Turner's cryptic statement sparked concern and speculation about the severity and imminence of the threat.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby assured the public that the capability in question has not been deployed and does not pose an immediate threat to anyone's safety. He emphasized that it is not a weapon capable of attacking human beings or causing physical destruction on Earth.

Kirby expressed concerns about Russia's pursuit of this capability but stated that there is no reason for immediate alarm. However, he acknowledged the troubling nature of Russia's actions and mentioned that the United States is in the process of reaching out to Moscow for conversations on the matter.

The lack of specific details about the threat has drawn criticism towards Turner for publicizing vague information. Some members of his own party, including Representative Matt Gaetz and Representative Andy Ogles, have accused him of "gaslighting the country" and demanded an investigation into his motives. Gaetz and Ogles suggested that Turner's intention was to drum up support for additional funding for Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Kirby dismissed the claims made by the Kremlin, reiterating that the assertion was baseless. He stated that private engagement, rather than immediate public disclosure, may be a more effective approach in addressing the threat.

The United States has been aware of Russia's pursuit of anti-satellite capability for several months, if not a few years, according to Kirby. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the matter since the beginning of his term. In recent weeks, the intelligence community has gained a higher level of confidence in assessing Russia's continued pursuit of this capability.

Regarding the declassification of information related to the threat, Kirby mentioned that the US intelligence community has serious concerns. He emphasized the importance of private engagement and stated that the administration is following a rigorous process. Turner's decision to publicize the threat does not imply any green light from the administration.

As the situation unfolds, the United States will continue its efforts to address Russia's anti-satellite capability through diplomatic channels. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of all nations involved in space exploration and satellite communication.

Overall, while concerns have been raised about Russia's development of anti-satellite capability, the White House has sought to alleviate immediate worries by assuring the public that there is no immediate threat to safety and that private engagement is the most effective approach to address the situation.