The White House has confirmed that U.S. Navy Admiral Frank M. “Mitch” Bradley ordered the second “double-tap” strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean, while insisting the action was legal and within his authority.
The September 2, 2025, incident has drawn bipartisan scrutiny and accusations of a possible war crime after reports emerged that survivors of the initial strike were killed in the subsequent attack.
Key Details:
The Order: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Admiral Bradley, who currently leads US Special Operations Command, “worked well within his authority and the law” in directing the second engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed.
Defense Secretary’s Role: Leavitt noted that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth “authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes” in general. Hegseth has publicly supported Bradley, calling him an “American hero,” but critics, including Democrats, accuse Hegseth of “passing the buck” and shifting blame for a controversial order.
The Controversy: A Washington Post report alleged that Hegseth had given a verbal “kill everybody” or “leave no survivors” directive, which, if true, would violate the Pentagon’s law of war manual regarding the protection of shipwrecked persons and could constitute a war crime. The Pentagon has denied this specific narrative.
Congressional Response: Lawmakers from both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees have expressed serious concerns and opened investigations into the matter. Admiral Bradley is scheduled to provide a classified briefing to Congress regarding the strike.
President Trump’s Comment: When asked about the incident, President Donald Trump reportedly said he “wouldn’t have wanted that — not a second strike”.
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