UPDATE: In a shocking declaration, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) has called for the immediate resignation of those responsible for a controversial military strike on survivors of a recent attack in the Caribbean. Speaking to reporters on October 7, 2025, Tillis stated that if the orders for the second strike are confirmed, those accountable should “get the hell out of Washington.”
The urgency of Tillis’s comments comes in the wake of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming that the U.S. military executed a second strike following a deadly assault on a suspected drug vessel. This strike resulted in the deaths of two survivors from the initial attack, raising serious ethical and legal questions about military conduct.
Tillis emphasized the need for thorough investigation, asserting that if the reports are accurate, it would represent a profound violation of ethical, moral, or legal standards. He urged lawmakers to get to the bottom of what he described as a troubling escalation in U.S. military operations.
The controversy centers on a nearly three-month campaign of lethal strikes targeting alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 83 people across more than 20 strikes. The incident on September 2 alone saw 11 individuals killed, following orders that allegedly came from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to “kill everyone on board.”
As pressure mounts for congressional oversight, prominent lawmakers from both parties are demanding answers. Representative Michael Turner, the Republican chair of the House Intelligence Committee, stated that if the follow-up attack occurred as reported, it would be “very serious” and potentially illegal.
Former military lawyers and international observers have voiced concerns that these operations could breach both domestic and international law. Despite these claims, Hegseth has vehemently defended the strikes, labeling the reports as “fake news” and asserting that all actions taken were lawful and in compliance with military regulations.
President Donald Trump has shown support for Hegseth, while also expressing reservations about the follow-up strike. When questioned about the incident, Trump stated he had “great confidence” that Hegseth did not authorize a second attack and expressed discomfort with the notion of further military action following the lethal initial strike.
As the situation develops, the Senate Armed Services Committee, led by Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Jack Reed (D-RI), has pledged “vigorous oversight” to investigate the September 2 mission and subsequent strikes. The White House has indicated that Trump will continue to evaluate the military’s actions, with Leavitt confirming he would convene his national security team later today to discuss operations in the Caribbean.
This is a rapidly evolving story. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available. The implications of these military actions could resonate far beyond U.S. borders, prompting widespread calls for accountability and legal scrutiny.
