Edward Snowden Appears Via Video Conference At Hopkins

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The Maryland man who leaked classified documents from the NSA addresses hundreds at Johns Hopkins University.

Ava-joye Burnett explains he spoke via a live video feed from Russia.

Edward Snowden is responsible for the largest intelligence leak in U.S. history -- something he says he would do again.

Hundreds lined up well before Wednesday night's event, all to hear from a man wanted here in the U.S. -- Edward Snowden. He leaked thousands of pages of classified government documents to the media.

"I definitely think that he has the right to do this -- to tell the general public about what's been going on -- because it is a concern to the public," said Carolina Andrada, JHU student.

Snowden, who is from Maryland, says he wanted to expose the government's collection of U.S. citizens' private information. He now has asylum in Russia.

Cameras weren't allowed in Wednesday's live streaming video event, where he defended his actions.

He said: "This is not about me. It's about us. It's about the rights and the world we want to live in."

He also revealed he knew his life would forever change after he made that decision, saying: "When an individual speaks out against an institution, the institution retaliates."

He also went on to say whistle blowers are individuals "...who feel so strongly that they are willing to go light a match and burn their entire life to the ground."

The consequences for Snowden have been severe.

The U.S. has charged him with several felonies -- including espionage -- and the moment he tries to leave Russia, he could get arrested and brought back here to the U.S. to face justice.

"I liked his argument against the whole -- if you have nothing to hide, then why be against surveillance," said Sally Hwang, JHU student.

"I think he feels he had the duty, that it was his duty as a citizen of this country to make sure the people are informed," said JHU student Alex Matthews.

Snowden had much support Wednesday night. Once his face appeared on the screen, there was a lot of applause.

A student group organized the event, which was also open to the public. So many people showed up, some had to be turned away.