Extreme measures being considered to protect whistleblower identity if they talk to Congress

The House Intelligence Committee and lawyers for the whistleblower who filed a complaint about President Donald Trump's conduct are discussing extreme measures to protect the individual's identity amid growing concerns about his or her safety, according to several sources familiar with the process.

It is still unclear when the whistleblower might ultimately talk with the committee. But talks are underway looking at several options to attempt to prevent the whistleblower from being identified or having his or her name leaked to the press.

Among the measures being discussed are the possibility of using an off-site location, limiting Hill staff and members who would be present and even disguising the individual's image and voice, the sources said. Any secure facility, known as a SCIF, could be used for the meeting, potentially the facilities located at Langley or Ft. Meade.

There are also ways to bring the whistleblower up to Capitol Hill without being seen by the press, including what one source described as the "Petraeus treatment," referring to the former CIA Director and commander of US Central Command, David Petraeus' private testimony from years back.

Sources familiar with the situation have told CNN that the whistleblower's lawyers are still working on obtaining the appropriate security clearances so they can accompany their client to the meeting with lawmakers and/or Hill staff and that process appears to be ongoing.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/extreme-measures-being-considered-to-protect-whistleblower-identity-if-they-talk-to-congress/ar-AAIqKah?li=BBnbcA1