Captain Talbert. No, sir.
Mr. Hubert. How did that come about?
Captain Talbert. I qualify that in that Sergeant Putnam—as I recall, Sergeant Putnam—it possibly could have been Sergeant Dean was present at the time when Chief Curry told the newsmen there was no point in their setting up their TV cameras and equipment on the third floor, that the man would come through the jail office of the basement. I didn’t personally hear it. It was told by him or one of the other of my superiors that Chief Curry had given them that information, or permission, if you wish.
Mr. Hubert. In other words, you did not clear the basement of news media because you understood from Sergeant Putnam or someone else that he had heard Chief Curry say to the news media that there was no use in their setting up their equipment on the third floor since the transfer would be made through the basement?
Captain Talbert. Yes. They were in the process of setting up their live television cameras and what-have-you, when he gave them this information.
Mr. Hubert. Did you check with anyone to see if the news media would be permitted to remain in the basement?
Captain Talbert. No, sir. May I say——
Mr. Hubert. Sure; go ahead.
Captain Talbert. Could we hold this up just a moment?
Mr. Hubert. Yes; but let me say this, whatever we say off the record——