WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has dispatched the blame for the death of several drug suspects, but lawmakers and military experts argue that the administration is attempting to unfairly shift responsibility onto Navy Adm. Frank Bradley.
The incident began on September 2 off the coast of a Caribbean nation. The Navy claimed it had conducted an initial airstrike against suspected drug trafficking targets. However, evidence suggests two survivors were observed floating near their disabled vessel before a second strike was authorized and executed by Bradley at his direction.
Critics contend that the operation violated military law prohibiting attacks on individuals not actively engaged in hostilities or combat. “Orders to fire upon shipwrecked survivors would be clearly illegal,” confirmed sources familiar with the Pentagon’s own internal guidelines for lawful warfare.
Several House Democrats, including Jason Crow and Raja Krishnamoorthi, have questioned Bradley’s position as a scapegoat following what they call “aggressive” White House policies. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth authorized the initial strike, subsequently authorizing a second attack after observing some survivors but reportedly avoiding prolonged engagement.
“Aside from Trump himself, it is increasingly difficult to name figures in his administration who actually understand military realities,” observed one expert following Bradley’s reassignment as the primary focus for this controversial incident. “This administration has shown itself willing to push aggressive policies and then readily discard those making the tough calls.”
The White House insists Bradley acted within established parameters, defending that he followed orders to neutralize any surviving suspects. However, lawmakers maintain they have evidence suggesting a direct order existed to kill everyone on board.
“This isn’t about whether the targets were criminals,” stated Rep. Crow during floor debate yesterday. “It’s about putting our brave military personnel in impossible positions where they must either break international law or defy administration leadership.”
