US expels 60 Russians, closes consulate for UK attack

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The U.S. retaliated Monday for a chemical attack in the U.K. blamed on Russia by expelling 60 diplomats Washington said were working as intelligence officers and ordering the closure of Moscow’s consulate in Seattle.

The expelled Russians include 48 embassy employees and 12 individuals who were working at the Russian mission to the UN, a senior administration official confirmed to reporters on condition of anonymity. They have seven days to depart the U.S.

The Seattle embassy was shuttered due to its proximity to a U.S. submarine base, another official said.

"Today's actions make the United States safer by reducing Russia's ability to spy on Americans and conduct covert operations that threaten America's national security," the official said.