The White House has responded to a petition with more than 167,000 signatures seeking the pardon of National Security Agency (NSA) whistle blower Edward Snowden. Officials turned down the petition on Tuesday, reiterating that Snowden's actions had dire national security implications. 

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Homeland Security and counter-terrorism advisor Lisa Monaco answered the petition, which was created two years ago after Snowden leaked information about the NSA's surveillance programs.

"Mr. Snowden's dangerous decision to steal and disclose classified information had severe consequences for the security of our country and the people who work day in and day out to protect it," Monaco said.

Monaco insists that Snowden, who has been charged under the Espionage Act, should come back home and face trial instead of seeking shelter under an authoritarian regime. She said Snowden should stop running away from the consequences of his actions.

"If he felt his actions were consistent with civil disobedience, then he should do what those who have taken issue with their own government do: challenge it, speak out, engage in a constructive act of protest, and importantly-accept the consequences of his actions," Monaco explained.

"He should come home to the United States, and be judged by a jury of his peers- not hide behind the cover of an authoritarian regime. Right now, he's running away from the consequences of his actions."

Shortly after releasing information about the NSA's mass Internet and phone spying programs, Snowden - a former CIA and government contractor - fled to Russia and was granted asylum. He currently lives in Moscow.

Although Snowden can remain in Russia for the next two years, the 32-year-old has already started petitioning other countries to grant him asylum. In March, he revealed that 21 countries have rejected his asylum applications.

Snowden has said he is willing to return to the U.S. if officials can guarantee that he will receive a fair trial. He claims the Department of Justice has not been able to guarantee this and has only promised not to execute him.

Former Attorney General Eric Holder has said the U.S. would not seek the death penalty in Snowden's case. Holder says he will rather face a lengthy prison sentence.

The U.S. sentenced former soldier Bradley Manning (now Chelsea Manning) to 35 years in prison for providing WikiLeaks' protagonist Julian Assange with confidential information.

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