Petition seeks White House pardon for Snowden

David Jackson | USA TODAY

That didn't take long.

Supporters of Edward Snowden -- the man who says he leaked information about National Security Agency surveillance programs -- have already petitioned the White House for a pardon.

"Edward Snowden is a national hero and should be immediately issued a a full, free, and absolute pardon for any crimes he has committed or may have committed related to blowing the whistle on secret NSA surveillance programs," says the petition posted on the White House website.

Don't bet on it happening -- Obama administration officials said the leaks have undermined national security and violated the law.

"The Department of Justice is in the initial stages of an investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of classified information by an individual with authorized access," said DOJ spokeswoman Nanda Chitre.

The Snowden petition had more than 15,000 signatures as of mid-day Monday.

Another petition challenges President Obama to a debate with Snowden.