Rand Paul backtracks statement that Washington is 'secretly' hoping for a terrorist attack

Rand Paul
(Image credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has clarified his suggestion that some of his political opponents may be hoping for a terrorist attack on the U.S.

On Sunday, Paul said that some politicians "secretly want there to be an attack on the United States so they can blame it on me." He was referring to his opposition to key provisions in the Patriot Act and his stance against the U.S. government's bulk data collection.

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.