Sen. Angus King Angus KingShakespeare Theatre Company goes virtual for 'Will on the Hill...or Won't They?' On The Trail: How Nancy Pelosi could improbably become president Angus King: Ending election security briefings 'looks like a pre-cover-up' MORE (I-Maine) said Wednesday that Russia’s effort to interfere in the U.S. election is “one of the most serious attacks” on the nation since Sept. 11, 2001.

“This is a serious threat,” King told CNN’s “New Day.” “It’s one of the most serious attacks on our country since Sept. 11.”

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The remark from King comes after Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats Daniel (Dan) Ray CoatsFBI chief says Russia is trying to interfere in election to undermine Biden The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - Trump, Biden renew push for Latino support Former Intel chief had 'deep suspicions' that Putin 'had something on Trump': book MORE testified to the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday that he has “no doubt” Russia views the upcoming midterm elections as a possible target of "influence operations."

“There should be no doubt that Russia perceived its past efforts as successful and views the 2018 midterm elections as a potential target for Russian influence operations,” Coats told the committee.

King, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the attacks on U.S. democracy will continue.

“But we’re talking about a major attack on our democracy that’s ongoing, that’s going to continue,” he said. “And this is a place where you need presidential leadership.”

King implored President Trump Donald John TrumpObama calls on Senate not to fill Ginsburg's vacancy until after election Planned Parenthood: 'The fate of our rights' depends on Ginsburg replacement Progressive group to spend M in ad campaign on Supreme Court vacancy MORE to combat the Russian threat, suggesting interim reports between government agencies.

King said he "understand[s] the president's reluctance" on the issue because "it affects his election."

"I'm not berating the president, I'm urging the president because I think he could separate these two issues," he said.