Top Democrat Describes 'Double Tap' Video as 'One of the Most Disturbing Things I've Witnessed in My Career in Public Service'

Representative Jim Himes (D-CT), the Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee, described a video of the September 2nd strikes on suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean as one of the most disturbing things I have witnessed during my public service career.

A bipartisan panel of lawmakers is currently examining the contentious double-tap operation, which targeted a suspected drug vessel and resulted in the deaths of two remaining survivors.

According to MS NOW reporter Mychael Schnell, Himes expressed respect for Admiral Frank Bradley, acknowledging his distinguished military career. Himes noted that the admiral explained and defended the decision-making behind the strikes. Yet, Himes emphasized, What I saw in that room was one of the most troubling things Ive seen in my time in public service.

Himes elaborated, There were two people clearly in distress, left without mobility on a destroyed vessel, who were ultimately killed by the United States.

The lawmaker also stated that the U.S. operation targeted shipwrecked sailors, a potential violation of the Geneva Conventions. While acknowledging that the survivors were carrying drugs, Himes pointed out that they were incapacitated and unable to continue any mission. People will someday see this video and, without proper context, they will witness an attack on stranded sailors, he added.

Himes confirmed that Admiral Bradley asserted there was no order to kill them all or to give no quarter during the operation.

This week, President Donald Trump indicated he might release footage of the second strike. I dont know what they have, but whatever they have would certainly release, no problem, Trump said.

According to The Washington Post, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly instructed Navy SEALs to kill everybody during the strike. The Posts sources claim that in the second strike, the two survivors clinging to the vessel were killed in the water.

Author: Ethan Caldwell