Rep. Jim Himes on US Military Attack on Shipwrecked Sailors

Admiral Bradley's Defense and Himes's Concerns

• 🎯 Rep. Jim Himes stated that Admiral Bradley and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff did the right thing, and that Admiral Bradley has his respect.
• ⚠️ However, Himes described witnessing one of the most troubling events in his public service career: the United States military attacking shipwrecked sailors.

Laws of Armed Conflict and Context

• ⚖️ The DoD manual specifically lists attacking a shipwreck as an impermissible action under the laws of armed conflict.
• 🚢 Himes emphasized that any American seeing the video would perceive it as an attack on shipwrecked sailors, despite contextual explanations from the admiral.
• 💊 While the admiral explained contextual items, such as the individuals carrying drugs and being unable to continue their mission, Himes focused on the visual of the attack.

Orders and Public Release

• 🚫 Admiral Bradley confirmed there was no "kill them all" order and no order to grant no quarter.
• 🗣️ Himes believes the video should be released publicly.
• 👂 He also indicated that the admiral's confirmation does not necessarily exonerate certain parties.