Washington (CNN) - CIA Director John Brennan on Thursday defended harsh interrogation techniques as providing "useful" information to authorities, including in the raid that led to the death of Osama bin Laden. But he said it is "unknowable" what information could specifically be attributed to those techniques.

"It is our considered view that the detainees who were subjected to enhanced interrogation techniques provided information that was useful and was used in the ultimate operation to go against Bin Laden," Brennan said.

Brennan's comments, in a rare news conference, come two days after a Senate panel released a blockbuster 528-page report detailing "enhanced interrogation techniques" - including mock executions, "rectal rehydration," sleep deprivation and beatings - in interrogations in the mid-2000s.

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Washington (CNN) - Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says airport security officials are not considering a ban on carry-on luggage "at this time."

In an interview with Jake Tapper on CNN's "The Lead," Johnson was asked about a National Public Radio report that counter-terrorism officials are considering implementing a Transportation Security Administration ban on carry-on bags at airports.

The report cited concerns that al Qaeda could be planning attacks on major airlines in Europe before the Christmas holiday. Johnson said the department continues to focus on security, particularly at airports overseas, so as not to burden the traveling public.

"I think people should continue to [travel] and have a happy and safe holiday but we continue to be vigilant and continue to evaluate whether more is necessary, based on the latest threat streams," Johnson said.

Tapper followed up: "But no ban on carry-on luggage yet, but you're considering everything?"

Johnson responded: "Not at this time."

Washington (CNN) - Americans are sharply divided along racial lines as to whether Ferguson police Officer Darren Wilson should be charged with murder in the shooting death of Michael Brown, a new CNN/ORC poll out Monday finds.

Fifty-four percent of nonwhites - including blacks, Latinos and Asians - say Wilson should be charged with murder, while just 23% of whites agree. And 38% of whites say Wilson should be charged with no crime at all, while just 15% of nonwhites hold that position.

The poll's results come as the grand jury prepares to make its decision, with an announcement expected Monday evening.

Most Americans agree that Wilson should at least face some form of criminal charges, the poll finds.

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