President Barack Obama took a shot back at Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Tuesday, saying Graham was "not right" to criticize the U.S.'s national security readiness in the wake of the terrorist attack in Boston two weeks ago.
"No, Mr. Graham is not right on this issue. Although I'm sure it generated some headlines," Obama said in a press conference at the White House.
Graham has emerged as one of the leading critics of the Obama administration after the Boston attacks, telling CNN last week that the "ultimate blame" for the attacks lies with the administration.
Graham has also been vocal about the lack of communication between federal agencies in the investigation into Tamerlan Tsarnaev, one of the brothers who allegedly carried out the Boston Marathon attacks.
Rebutting the criticism Tuesday, Obama said that law enforcement officials on all levels performed in "exemplary fashion" in the aftermath of the Boston bombings. He also disputed Graham's charge that the FBI "dropped the ball" in the investigation into Tamerlan Tsarnaev.
"What I can say is, is that based on what I've seen so far, the FBI performed its duties," Obama said. "The Department of Homeland Security did what it was supposed to be doing. But this is hard stuff."
Graham responded to Obama's comment on Twitter within a few minutes:
With all due respect Mr. President, #Benghazi and #Boston are compelling examples of how our national security systems have deteriorated.
— Lindsey Graham (@GrahamBlog) April 30, 2013