Holder does not rule out scenario of drone strike on U.S. soil

Holder does not rule out scenario of drone strike on U.S. soilMore>>
Pilot reports spotting 'drone' over Brooklyn
Pilot reports spotting 'drone' over Brooklyn
By Aaron Cooper, CNN updated 10:25 PM EST, Mon Mar 4, 2013STORY HIGHLIGHTSThe pilot of an Alitalia jet reported he saw an unmanned aircraft The pilot said he spotted the other aircraft while was landingMore >>
An unmanned drone came within 200 feet of a commercial jet over New York, triggering an FBI appeal to the public for any information about the unusual and potentially dangerous incident.More >>

Unmanned U.S. Drone U.S. Drone in a hanger at Fort Huachuca, Arizona on March 10, 2010.

By Terry Frieden, CNN Justice Producer
updated 4:52 PM EST, Tue Mar 5, 2013

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Attorney General Eric Holder on Tuesday stopped short of entirely ruling out a scenario in which a drone strike would be ordered against an American citizen on U.S. soil.

In a letter to Sen. Rand Paul, Holder said it was possible, "I suppose," to imagine an "extraordinary circumstance in which it would be necessary and appropriate" under U.S. law for the president to authorize the military to "use lethal force" within the United States.

The issue was raised during Senate consideration of John Brennan to be CIA director.

The Justice Department earlier in the day turned over new documents outlining the legal rationale for lawfully targeting Americans overseas who are involved in terror-related activities that threaten the United States or its interests.

But Paul wanted to know if the administration's drone policy could be carried out on American soil.

Article on CNN.com