• Defense Secretary says Special Operations commander made “combat decisions” on September 2 mission
• White House confirms Bradley ordered follow-up strike that killed two survivors
• Legal experts say Hegseth remains responsible regardless of who executed the order

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TDR) — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made clear Monday that he believes Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley is the man responsible for the U.S. attack on survivors of a boat bombing in the Caribbean. The move shifts focus to the Special Operations commander as congressional investigations intensify over the controversial September 2 strike.

Hegseth Points to Bradley

In a social media post Monday evening, Hegseth offered public support for Bradley while simultaneously identifying him as the officer who made key decisions during the operation. “Let’s make one thing crystal clear: Admiral Mitch Bradley is an American hero, a true professional, and has my 100% support,” Hegseth wrote on X.

“I stand by him and the combat decisions he has made — on the September 2 mission and all others since.”

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The statement came hours after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Bradley ordered the second strike that killed two survivors clinging to the burning vessel.

White House Shifts Narrative

Leavitt told reporters that Hegseth authorized Bradley to conduct the kinetic strikes, but indicated the admiral made the operational decision. “Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed,” she stated during the briefing.

The Washington Post reported Friday that Bradley ordered the follow-up strike “to fulfill Hegseth’s directive that everyone must be killed.” Bradley allegedly told others on a secure conference call that survivors remained legitimate targets because they could contact other traffickers.

President Donald Trump said Sunday he would not have wanted a second strike, adding that Hegseth “said he did not order the death of those two men.”

Legal Experts Challenge Defense

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Former Pentagon general counsel Ryan Goodman told CNN that Hegseth remains legally responsible regardless of Bradley’s involvement. “The worst case scenario is what The Washington Post has reported,” Goodman said. “That would also hold Secretary Hegseth responsible.”

International law experts told TIME that both Hegseth and Bradley could face criminal liability. Law professor Rebecca Ingber stated bluntly: “There is no actual armed conflict here, so this is murder.”

A legal analysis from Just Security concluded that both orders were “clearly unlawful” under international human rights law.

Bradley Expected Before Congress

Admiral Bradley is expected in Washington this week to speak with senior lawmakers about the strikes. House Armed Services ranking member Adam Smith told reporters he would receive a classified briefing from Bradley, likely Thursday.

Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker confirmed he has spoken with Hegseth and plans to speak with Bradley directly. He said Hegseth acknowledged “there was a second attack” but claimed he lacks information on survivors who were killed.

Will congressional testimony from Bradley clarify the chain of command—or deepen the controversy?

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