The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell Lawrence on Hegseth strikes: Legal experts say nothing in U.S. law allows for use of deadly force
Dec 12, 2025
In this engaging discussion, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla highlights the recent federal ruling declaring Trump's deployment of the National Guard in California unlawful. He shares his personal encounter while questioning the deployment. Former Senator Sherrod Brown emphasizes the importance of affordability in economic policy, criticizing decisions shaped by special interests. Together, they explore the implications of these issues on upcoming elections, especially in light of recent polling that reveals a distressing drop in public approval for the economy.
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Questionable Legal Basis For Deadly Strikes
- Legal experts say nothing in U.S. law clearly authorizes killing survivors of a struck vessel far from U.S. territory.
- Todd Huntley and Ryan Goodman characterize the strikes as unlawful and potentially murder rather than lawful use of force.
Administration's "Narco‑Terrorist" Label Doesn't Override Law
- The Pentagon reportedly viewed everyone on the boat as "narco-terrorists" to justify deadly force under the administration's definitions.
- Observers say that label and its application do not replace legal limits on targeting shipwrecked people.
Two Survivors Seen Clinging To Wreckage
- The live overhead feed showed two men clinging to wreckage about the size of a dining room table after the first strike.
- Thirty-plus minutes later Admiral Bradley ordered a second strike that killed those two survivors.