Admiral Bradley Denies 'Kill Them All' Order in Venezuela Strike, Congress Briefed

US Air Strike Near Venezuela

• 🎯 A US air strike near Venezuela resulted in the deaths of two survivors following an initial attack on a suspected drug boat.
• 🏛️ Naval Admiral Frank Bradley briefed Congress, stating there was no "kill them all" order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
• ⚠️ Some lawmakers, like Connecticut Democrat Jim Himes, found the second strike deeply troubling, especially the killing of individuals in distress.

Scrutiny of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

• 🔍 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under scrutiny regarding the legality of targeting survivors under international law.
• 📱 A Pentagon report indicates Hegseth may have put US troops at risk by sharing sensitive military plans on his personal phone via an unapproved app.
• ⚖️ Critics argue that lower-ranking officials would face severe penalties for similar actions, while Hegseth denies wrongdoing and calls the report an "exoneration."
• 📈 Despite scrutiny, President Trump has stood by Hegseth, though questions about the administration's safety record persist.

Arrest in 2021 Pipe Bomb Case

• 💣 Authorities announced an arrest in the case of two pipe bombs planted outside major party headquarters in Washington D.C. in January 2021.
• 🕵️ The FBI apprehended 30-year-old Brian Cole Jr., accused of planting the devices the night before the January 6th Capitol riot.
• 🔍 The investigation involved re-evaluating evidence, conducting over 1,000 interviews, and reviewing more than 600 tips.
• 💡 Key information discovered earlier this year led to the arrest, described as finding a "needle in a haystack."
• ⚠️ Neither bomb detonated, but both were considered potentially lethal.