James LaPorta
© APJames LaPorta only quoted one anonymous source in the piece who turned out to have provided erroneous information.
The Associated Press has fired the journalist who reported a story that Russian-fired missiles crossed into Poland after it was revealed that Ukraine likely fired the projectiles, according to a report.

The publication took the article offline and replaced it with an editor's note stating that the single source cited — a senior US intelligence people — had incorrect information and "subsequent reporting showed that the missiles were Russian-made and most likely fired by Ukraine in defense against a Russian attack."

Before the story was retracted, the Nov. 15 article was widely spread by other publications across the internet and cable news.

On Monday, the AP fired investigative reporter James LaPorta, who was responsible for the article, Confider reported.

The piece did not follow the AP's standard that reporting include more than one source when that source is anonymous.

The one exception to the rule is when "material comes from an authoritative figure who provides information so detailed that there is no question of its accuracy," according to the AP's statement of news values and principles.

An AP spokesperson and LaPorta did not comment on his ouster when contacted by Confider.