Joe Kent, the former counterterrorism director who resigned this week in protest of the Iran war, on Friday denied allegations that he improperly shared classified information.
The Associated Press reported that the FBI is investigating whether Kent leaked such information, citing someone familiar with the matter. The person said the investigation preceded his resignation on Tuesday. No additional details were available.
“As for the leak allegations, I’m not concerned because I know I did nothing wrong,” Kent said on SiriusXM’s “The Megyn Kelly Show.” He suggested he was targeted because he spoke out.
“I am concerned because we’ve all seen the FBI and the full weight of the government come down on individuals who speak out,” Kent said.
The Justice Department has undertaken several probes into perceived political foes of President Donald Trump, including former FBI Director James Comey, although prosecutors have struggled to make charges stick.
Kent, the director of the U.S. government’s National Counterterrorism Center, stepped down Tuesday saying he “cannot in good conscience” support the Trump administration’s war in Iran.
“Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby,” Kent wrote on X.
Trump later told reporters that he always thought Kent was “weak on security” and if someone in his administration did not believe Iran was a threat, “we don’t want those people.” Other Trump administration officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, have since sought to distance themselves from Kent and his assessment.
FILE - Joe Kent, Director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, speaks during a congressional debate at KATU studios Oct. 7, 2024, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Redshirt freshman Kyndal Walker scored a career-high 20 points and she had plenty of help from Maryland teammates as the Terrapins defeated Murray State 99-67 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday.
Mir McLean provided 19 points and 14 rebounds and Addi Mack added 18 points, while Yarden Garzon had 12 points and Saylor Poffenbarger added 10 points for fifth-seeded Maryland, which hammered the Racers on the boards.
“Clearly we had a lot more size on them,” Maryland coach Brenda Frese said. “I think it begins there. It also just comes down to will and a want and a desire.”
The Terrapins (24-8), who matched their highest point total in a regulation game this season with the aid of 50% shooting from the field, will meet the North Carolina-Western Illinois winner in Sunday’s second round.
Halli Poock poured in 27 points and Haven Ford and Keslyn Secrist each scored 17 points for No. 12-seed Murray State (31-4), which finished with a school-record win total even though its 15-game winning streak ended.
“I’m disappointed it had to end like this, but we have a lot to be proud of,” Poock said.
Maryland’s 24 offensive rebounds were more than Murray State’s overall rebounding total in what finished as a 51-21 gap on the boards. The Terrapins compiled 33 second-chance points.
“That’s been us all season,” McLean said. “We shoot very well and also rebound very well, which makes our shooters more confident to shoot because we can always get the ball back.”
Murray State coach Rechelle Turner was expecting a challenge on the boards.
“They were relentless on the glass,” Turner said. “I thought our first stop defense was pretty good, but it’s hard to defend 33 second-chance points, 24 offensive rebounds.”
The Racers outscored Maryland 24-22 in the third quarter.
“Our energy started picking up and stuff like that and just trying to chip away,” Ford said. “We left the third quarter with confidence.”
Maryland put it away with a 14-2 run to start the fourth quarter. Murray State had given up a season-high points total with more than four minutes remaining.
Keyed by Walker, Maryland reserves outscored Murray State’s bench players by 33-0.
Maryland’s lead grew to 38-19 in the second quarter on the way to a 51-35 halftime edge. The Terrapins shot 50% in the first half with a 25-10 rebounding advantage.
Secrist scored six straight points for Murray State and the Racers used an 8-2 spurt at the end of the third quarter to close within 73-59.
Walker, Mack and Rainey Welson (7 points) combined to give Maryland 45 points from freshmen.
“It’s just nice to finally be out here and be in this moment,” Walker said. “So I was super excited, and I think it kind of just showed today. Just having the opportunity to go out there and play and just playing free and having fun.”
The trio shot a combined 17 for 33 from the floor.
McLean’s rebound total marked the most for a Terrapin in an NCAA Tournament game in nine years since Brionna Jones had 15 in a 2017 matchup with Oregon.
Poffenbarger’s 11 rebounds gave her a double-figure total for the seventh time this season and the fourth time in the last seven games.
Maryland will play at least two NCAA Tournament games for the 20th time in the last 22 tournaments.
AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-womens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness
Murray State guard Briley Pena, left, and Maryland guard Yarden Garzon, right, battle for control of the ball during the second half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
