White House: 'Sophisticated actor' hacked Sony

WASHINGTON — The White House says evidence shows the hack against Sony Pictures was carried out by a “sophisticated actor” with “malicious intent.”

But spokesman Josh Earnest is declining to blame North Korea. Earnest says he doesn’t want to get ahead of investigations by the Justice Department and the FBI.

A U.S. official says federal investigators have linked North Korea to the attack. The official spoke on condition of anonymity earlier this week.

Sony has canceled the Christmas Day release of “The Interview” after many theaters said they would hold off on showing the film.

Threats have been made against theaters planning to show the film, which is a comedy about a plot to assassinate North Korea’s leader.

ASSOCIATED PRESS