Democratic Rep. Urges DOJ To Open a War Crimes Investigation On Double-Tap Attack Against Alleged Drug Vessel: 'No Statute Of Limitations'

Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu urged the Department of Justice to open a war crimes investigation regarding the double-tap attack against an alleged drug vessel in September, noting that "if the Trump DOJ does not investigate, a future Administration will because there is no statute of limitations" for such crimes.

"This issue isn't going away," Lieu added in a social media publication.

He was reacting to reports about a statement from Rep. Jim Himes, the party's top lawmaker on the House Intelligence Committee, who said he was stunned after receiving a briefing from military officials involved in the episode.

Speaking to press after the briefing, Himes said Admiral Mitch Bradley, who took part in the episode, has a storied career and he has my respect and he should have the respect of all of us."

However, he went on to say that "what I saw in that room was one of the most troubling things that I've seen in my time in public service."

"You have two individuals in clear distress, without any means of locomotion, with a destroyed vessel, who were killed by the United States," he added.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has been under intense scrutiny since reports about the second strike surfaced, has said he didn't stay after the first one, but defended the legality of the second one and said the decision was made by Bradley.

However, previous reports had noted that Pentagon officials are concerned that the Trump administration is throwing Bradley under the bus. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that Bradley "worked well within his authority and the law, directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed."

The statement, the outlet added, left Defense Department officials angry at the possibility that Hegseth won't take responsibility for any legal consequence that could stem from the attack. "This is 'protect Pete' bullsh-t," one official told the outlet. Some civilian staff are considering leaving the administration, it added.