Former JAG, a top Democrat, condemns killing shipwrecked survivors as a war crime

California Representative Ted Lieu, vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus, stated on Tuesday that targeting survivors of shipwrecks constitutes a war crime. He emphasized that any U.S. military personnel involved including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth must face accountability.

I served four years on active duty as a JAG, plus 21 years in the reserves. Let me be clear: killing shipwrecked survivors is a war crime, Lieu told reporters at the Capitol. The former Air Force attorney noted that prosecutions under President Trump are improbable but urged an immediate investigation, insisting the issue would remain unresolved after the administration ends.

The Department of Justice should investigate this war crime and ensure all responsible parties, including Sec. Hegseth, are held accountable. He reportedly said, Kill them all, Lieu said. Even if the current administration fails to act, a future administration will, since war crimes have no statute of limitations.

The White House confirmed Monday that, during Trumps anti-narcotics campaign, U.S. forces struck a suspected drug smuggling vessel in the Caribbean on September 2. When two survivors were spotted on the damaged ship, Adm. Frank Bradley, overseeing the operation from Fort Bragg, N.C., ordered a second strike, killing the individuals. The Washington Post first reported the incident last week.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the actions, stating that drug traffickers endanger national security. Adm. Bradley acted within his authority and the law to neutralize the threat and destroy the vessel, she said.

However, the operation appears to conflict with the Defense Departments own law-of-war manual, which states that orders targeting shipwrecked individuals are clearly illegal. Lieu highlighted this manual while criticizing Hegseth, who reportedly ordered the command to kill everybody. Initially, the Pentagon chief denied these claims, labeling them fabricated and inflammatory, but later defended the operation.

Rep. Pete Aguilar, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, ruled out impeachment of Hegseth, citing incomplete information and a Republican-controlled Congress. Instead, he supports congressional investigations across both parties and chambers. Lieu agreed, noting there is already evidence that Hegseth lied. Those of us who served followed a code of conduct to tell the truth and take responsibility. Pete Hegseth has failed that standard. He is a coward and must resign, Lieu asserted.

Author: Gavin Porter