White House confirms second Sept. 2 strike on alleged drug boat

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Navy Adm. Frank M. Bradley ordered the subsequent strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean.

WASHINGTON — The White House confirmed Monday that the U.S. did launch a second strike on an alleged drug boat from Venezuela in early September and that it was ordered by Adm. Frank M. Bradley, who at the time headed the Joint Special Operations Command.

The follow-up strike killed the survivors of an initial U.S. strike on the vessel, which the Trump administration has said originated from Venezuela. Some lawmakers and legal experts say that second attack could constitute a war crime.

“With respect to the strikes in question on Sept. 2, Secretary Hegseth authorized Adm. Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement during Monday's briefing.

“Adm. Bradley worked well within his authority and the law directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated," she added.

U.S. Special Operations Command, which Bradley now leads as commander, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.