Hegseth Rejects Public Release of Deadly Strike Video

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday rejected calls to publicly release unedited video footage of a U.S. military strike on September 2 that killed two survivors clinging to the wreckage of a speedboat in the Caribbean, citing classification concerns as bipartisan pressure mounted in Congress for greater transparency.

The incident, part of a broader U.S. campaign against vessels suspected of smuggling drugs from Venezuela, has drawn scrutiny over its legality and potential violations of international law. According to officials, the initial missile strike targeted a boat allegedly carrying cocaine, but when two individuals emerged from the debris, a second attack was ordered by Adm. Frank Bradley, the commanding officer. Bradley later told lawmakers in private sessions that the survivors had climbed onto the overturned vessel, attempted to right it without success, made no calls for assistance, and appeared to be waving, but he proceeded after consulting a military attorney to ensure the destruction of suspected narcotics in the hull.

Hegseth, speaking to reporters after classified briefings for all senators and House members alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio,...