Republican Senator Expresses Shock Over Reporting on Hegseth's Kill Order

During an interview near the U.S. Capitol on Monday evening, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) addressed reports claiming that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a military operation to eliminate everyone on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel earlier this September.

Congressional reporter Mychael Schnell asked Murkowski for her perspective on the situation, referencing The Washington Post coverage. Murkowski confirmed that she had already voiced concerns through her backing of the King resolution, emphasizing that the actions raised significant alarm.

Schnell then asked specifically about the second strike, noting that some commentators suggested Hegseth and the military commander could face accusations of war crimes. Murkowski acknowledged the second strike, explaining that it involved individuals already in the water and posed questions about adherence to the rules of war. She stated that the reports of the strike were deeply disturbing and unusual within established wartime conduct.

On Monday night, Hegseth appeared to attribute the decision regarding the second strike to Admiral Mitch Bradley, expressing full support for the admiral and his judgment on the September 2 mission, as well as prior operations.

Several other Republican senators expressed similar concerns about the second strike, though they emphasized the need to review additional video and audio evidence before forming a definitive opinion.

Senator Murkowski highlighted that issuing a second strike on individuals already in the water raises serious questions about compliance with wartime regulations, reiterating her ongoing apprehension over the reported actions.

Author: Gavin Porter