Rep. Ted Lieu Calls for War Crimes Investigation into US Boat Strikes

Allegations of War Crimes

• 🎯 Congressman Ted Lieu is calling for a war crimes investigation into recent US military strikes on suspected drug boats.
• ⚠️ The focus is on a Sept. 2nd strike where two survivors in distress were killed by a second, follow-up US strike, an event described as "one of the most troubling things" by a lawmaker.
• 💡 Lieu, a former JAG lawyer, asserts that killing shipwreck survivors is indisputably a war crime, especially when they have no means of communication or escape.

Pentagon's Defense and Policy Shifts

• 🗣️ Secretary of Defense Pete Hegth cited the "fog of war" as justification for the strike, stating the admiral acted correctly.
• 🔄 However, it appears the Pentagon changed its policy after the Sept. 2nd incident, as subsequent strikes involved rescuing survivors.
• 🚫 Admiral Bradley reportedly told lawmakers that Hegth did not order to "kill them all," despite contrary reports.

Calls for Accountability and Future Investigations

• ⚖️ Congressman Lieu believes a Department of Justice investigation is necessary, and if not pursued by the current administration, a future one will likely conduct it due to the no statute of limitations on war crimes.
• 🏛️ Lieu anticipates that Democrats will pursue investigations into these matters once they regain control of the House.

Criticism of Secretary Hegth

• 🚨 Lieu also supports calls for Secretary Hegth's resignation, citing his handling of the "Signalgate" chats that allegedly put troops in danger and his denial of reports until confronted with facts.
• 🤥 Lieu suggests Hegth lied to the public and then "threw Admiral Bradley under the bus" regarding the war crimes incident.
• 📉 Lieu believes that unless the President asks for Hegth's resignation due to ongoing controversies, accountability may only come with a change in administration.