Bulwark Takes Sen. Warner on the Boat Strike Crisis
Dec 7, 2025
Sen. Mark Warner, a prominent figure in national security and intelligence oversight, shares his insights on the controversial September 2nd boat strike. He calls for transparency regarding the full video of the incident and questions the legal and moral implications of the strike's execution. Warner raises concerns about the erosion of the intelligence community and warns that political manipulation could hinder vital alliances and intelligence sharing. He also stresses the need for proper congressional authorization and reflects on the broader implications for U.S. governance and national security.
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Legal Basis Was Drafted After The Strike
- Sen. Mark Warner questions the legal and policy basis for the September 2 strike, noting the legal opinion was finalized after the strike.
- He urges caution before labeling actions as war crimes without full evidence and execution orders.
Partial Video Release Undermines Credibility
- Warner says releasing only part of the video and withholding the rest "doesn't pass any smell test."
- He insists Congress and the American people need to see the full footage for transparency.
Questions About The Mission's True Objective
- Warner highlights a 30–45 minute gap between the first and subsequent strikes and questions why the operation prioritized killing over interdiction.
- He doubts the mission aimed to retrieve drugs or capture suspects given no effort to seize contraband.