Lawmakers View Secret Video of Navy Boat Strike, Contradict Admiral's 'No Kill Order' Testimony

A classified video of a deadly Navy boat strike has left U.S. lawmakers deeply disturbed, with one congressman calling it among the most troubling things he has witnessed in public service. The video was shown during a closed-door congressional hearing. It reportedly shows the 2021 incident where a U.S. Navy combatant craft struck and killed a civilian boat operator in the Arabian Gulf. The viewing contradicted prior testimony from a senior admiral. Lawmakers stated that the footage conflicted with the admiral's claim that there was no "kill order" or intent to fire upon the civilian vessel. Democratic Representative Jim Himes responded strongly after seeing the video. "What I saw in that room [was] one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service," he said. The incident remains under investigation by the Navy. The disclosure highlights ongoing scrutiny of military rules of engagement and accountability for civilian casualties.