President Barack Obama pauses while talking about national security, Thursday, May 23, 2013, at the National Defense University at Fort McNair in Washington. Declaring America at a "crossroads" in the fight against terrorism, the president revealed clearer guidelines for the use of deadly drone strikes, including more control by the U.S. military, while leaving key details of the controversial program secret. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
CODEPINK founder Medea Benjamin is surrounded by security as she shouts at President Barack Obama during his speech on national security, Thursday, May 23, 2013, at the National Defense University at Fort McNair in Washington. She was removed from the auditorium. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
CODEPINK founder Medea Benjamin interrupts President Barack Obama's national security speech, Thursday, May 23, 2013, at the National Defense University at Fort McNair in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON —
President Barack Obama was interrupted three times by a woman who shouted about drones and detainees in Cuba as he delivered a speech on national security.
The woman was identified as Medea Benjamin from the anti-war group Code Pink. Benjamin yelled from behind a bank of cameras before security removed her from the hall at National Defense University in Washington.
Obama at one point said he was willing to "cut the young lady some slack" because the issues he was addressing are worth being passionate about.
Benjamin shouted, quote, "86 were cleared already. Release them today!"
That appears to be a reference to detainees who remain in Cuba despite being cleared for transfer from the facility.
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