By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Senators from both parties will launch a joint investigation into allegations that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered no survivors in U.S. airstrikes targeting suspected drug-running vessels. The inquiry follows a Washington Post report alleging Hegseth instructed military personnel to kill everyone on board a vessel, resulting in the deaths of two survivors from an initial strike. These actions are part of a broader campaign of more than a dozen attacks that have killed over 80 people, sparking concerns about the legality and potential extrajudicial nature of the operations. Hegseth has dismissed the report as fabricated, defending the strikes as lawful and intended to combat drug trafficking and associated terrorist organizations.
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GOP senators to join Democrats in investigating Pete Hegseth ‘kill everybody’ allegations, and honestly, the thought of that happening feels a bit surreal, doesn’t it? It’s the kind of news that makes you pause, raise an eyebrow, and really think about the implications. Bipartisanship on this level, especially when it involves potentially serious accusations against someone in a position of power, it’s a significant development. It suggests a shared concern, a recognition that the allegations against Pete Hegseth, that he ordered the killing of everyone on a vessel, are extremely serious.
The details themselves are unsettling. The report from *The Washington Post* paints a grim picture, detailing an incident in the Caribbean where a suspected drug-carrying vessel was targeted. Allegedly, Hegseth issued an order to “kill everybody” after an initial missile strike left survivors. If true, this represents a massive breach of protocol, perhaps even a war crime. The fact that the order seems to have been followed, and that two men were “blown apart in the water,” is incredibly disturbing. The reported involvement of a Special Operations commander in carrying out this alleged order adds further weight to the gravity of the situation. It brings to mind questions of accountability and raises serious doubts about the administration’s adherence to international laws and norms.
Given the nature of the allegations, it’s not surprising that both Democrats and Republicans are willing to investigate. These kinds of charges, if verified, have far-reaching consequences, extending beyond the immediate individuals involved. The use of the term “kill everybody” evokes images of a callous disregard for human life and a willingness to operate outside the boundaries of established rules. It’s the kind of thing that damages the reputation of the country on the international stage.
The reactions within the thread reveal a range of emotions, from disgust and anger to calls for accountability and justice. Some commenters are understandably outraged, demanding that those responsible be held accountable for their actions. The desire for trials, potentially mirroring the Nuremberg trials, underscores the perceived severity of the alleged crimes. Others express a sense of cynicism, fearing that the investigation will be stonewalled or that the accused will escape punishment. There are also those who see this as a sign that the administration is beginning to unravel, that the rats are jumping ship, and that Hegseth may be sacrificed to protect others.
The concern raised about the use of the term “Department of War” instead of “Department of Defense” is a valid one. It highlights the importance of language and how it can be used to shape perceptions. The fact that someone might be using terminology that’s associated with those who were in a position of power and who have committed illegal actions shows that it must be taken seriously.
It’s also worth noting the speculation about other individuals who might be implicated, such as Admiral Holsey, the SOCOM commander who retired unexpectedly, or other members of the administration. The suggestion that some may be trying to “foil the investigation” adds another layer of complexity. The hope is that the investigation will be thorough and unbiased and that it will uncover the truth, whatever that may be.
The reactions also showcase a common sentiment: the belief that the current administration is willing to sacrifice its members to protect itself from greater threats. The idea that “the BEST people” are merely a revolving door is the kind of sentiment that underscores the depth of distrust some people have in the current state of affairs.
Whether the investigation leads to meaningful consequences remains to be seen. But the fact that GOP senators are joining their Democratic counterparts suggests this is not just political posturing. The stakes are high, and the potential for a significant reckoning is real. The families of the victims, regardless of their innocence or guilt, deserve to know what happened and why.
The comments also bring up a deeper question: if you are ordering an airstrike, isn’t it already assumed that everyone on board will be killed? While this point is understandable, it does not excuse the potential order to kill survivors. This alleged order goes beyond standard military procedure and raises the specter of extrajudicial killings.
In the end, this investigation is a critical test. It will reveal whether the government is willing to hold its own accountable, regardless of political affiliation or power. It’s a chance to demonstrate that the rule of law still matters, even in the face of alleged wrongdoing at the highest levels. Let’s hope that the outcome will be justice and accountability and that those responsible will face the consequences they deserve.