Conservative Lawyers Slam Hegseth’s Comments as ‘Admission of Guilt’

URGENT UPDATE: Conservative lawyers are raising alarm bells over comments made by Pete Hegseth, igniting a fierce debate about potential war crimes. The controversy erupted after a Washington Post report alleged that Hegseth ordered the killing of two survivors from a controversial drug vessel bombing, leading to accusations of murder and violations of military law.

In a scathing critique over the weekend, former prosecutor Andrew McCarthy declared Hegseth’s defense “makes no legal sense” and described it as “an admission of guilt.” This shocking revelation has caused significant concern among legal experts and military observers alike, given the implications for U.S. military conduct.

McCarthy, who has extensive experience as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, stated, “If this happened as described in the Post report, it was, at best, a war crime under federal law.” He emphasized that the operations directed by Hegseth lack congressional authorization and do not meet the legal standards for military engagement.

The operation, reportedly led by SEAL Team 6 and coordinated from Fort Bragg, N.C. by Admiral Frank M. ‘Mitch’ Bradley, targeted the survivors of an initial strike on a drug trafficking vessel. While Bradley maintained that the survivors remained “legitimate targets,” McCarthy countered, stating, “It is unlawful to apply lethal force to those who surrender or are incapacitated.”

Hegseth’s response, claiming the strikes were intended to be lethal, has not satisfied critics. McCarthy’s essay further argues that Hegseth’s defense fails to align with established laws of war, stating, “It cannot be a defense to say… that one has killed because one’s objective was ‘lethal, kinetic strikes.'”

In a powerful endorsement of McCarthy’s position, conservative attorney George Conway shared the critique, asserting, “Indeed, it’s a confession and admission of guilt to heinous crimes.” The fallout from this scandal is ongoing, with significant implications for military policy and accountability.

This developing story raises critical questions about the ethical and legal conduct of military operations. As public scrutiny intensifies, the ramifications for Hegseth and those involved could redefine standards for military engagement in the United States.

Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds. The legal community and military experts continue to monitor the situation closely, with potential repercussions that could affect military protocols moving forward.