Senator Mark Kelly has raised serious concerns regarding a military strike on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, suggesting it may constitute a war crime. The incident, reported to have taken place on September 2, 2025, allegedly followed an order from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to “kill them all.” During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Kelly emphasized his worries about the implications of such orders.
As a former Navy pilot with over two decades of service, Kelly’s perspective carries weight. He expressed his unease over the reported double-tap strike, which is characterized by targeting the same area twice to maximize casualties. “If what has been reported is accurate, I’ve got serious concerns about anybody in that chain of command stepping over a line that they should never step over,” he stated. Kelly added, “I have so much respect for people in the United States Navy… They should be revered, and that’s why I hope what I’ve heard about this strike is not accurate.”
The senator’s remarks come in the wake of a Washington Post article detailing the strike and its aftermath. Kelly, who has previously criticized the Trump administration for its handling of military orders, indicated he would have refused to follow such directives. “I have sunk two ships,” he said. “I never, in that situation, questioned whether those strikes were legal. We were given an order to do this. It was a time of war… Going after survivors in the water, that is clearly not lawful.”
In response to the allegations, Hegseth dismissed the Washington Post report as “fake news,” asserting in a post on social media that current operations in the Caribbean comply with both U.S. and international law. He claimed that all military actions are conducted in accordance with the law of armed conflict and have received approval from military and civilian legal experts throughout the command structure.
On CNN, Kelly did not hold back in his assessment of Hegseth’s qualifications for the role of Secretary of Defense. He labeled Hegseth the “least qualified” individual to ever hold the position, criticizing both his understanding of the Constitution and his handling of military orders. “I cannot think of a secretary of defense in the history of our country who is less qualified than Pete Hegseth. He should not be in this position,” Kelly asserted. He further stated that Hegseth should have faced consequences for previous controversies, referencing an incident he described as “Signalgate.”
Kelly’s comments have reignited discussions surrounding military conduct and accountability, particularly in operations involving civilian lives. The implications of his statements underscore a growing concern among lawmakers regarding the ethical boundaries of military engagement.
As this situation continues to unfold, it remains essential to monitor the responses from military leadership and the political ramifications of this incident. The debate over the legality and morality of military strikes, especially those that may target vulnerable individuals, is likely to intensify in the coming days.
