What War Crimes Did the Navy SEAL Get Accused Of?

Navy SEAL Edward Gallagher was sentenced to ten years in prison for involuntary manslaughter, among other charges, related to the death of a staff sergeant. The incident occurred during his eighth tour of duty in Iraq in 2017.

Gallagher, who served as a medic and completed SEAL training in 2005, is accused of killing an unarmed Iraqi prisoner and posing with the body along with his platoon members. He also allegedly texted 'I got this one with my knife' after committing the crime.

According to prosecutors, Gallagher used a knife as a prop during a re-enlistment ceremony on June 4, 2017. This is when he killed a teenage Islamic State combatant by stabbing him in the neck and chest in a Navy SEAL post near Mosul, Iraq.

Gallagher's defense team claims that he was simply following orders from his commanding officers, but prosecutors say there is no evidence to support this claim. The accused war crimes include multiple charges of murder, attempted murder, and aggravated assault.

The investigation into Gallagher's actions was launched in February after the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) seized cell phones and electronic communications as part of their probe. NCIS officials are seeking any evidence that may indicate Gallagher asked his fellow SEALs to obstruct justice or retaliate against junior sailors who reported him for committing war crimes.

Gallagher has pleaded not guilty to all charges, but the evidence presented in court suggests otherwise. His trial is ongoing, and he is being held at San Diego's Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar awaiting a verdict.

This case highlights the importance of accountability within the military, even among highly decorated and respected personnel like Gallagher. It also underscores the need for thorough investigations and prosecution of war crimes to maintain public trust in the armed forces.

Ultimately, the fate of Edward Gallagher will be determined by the legal system, but his actions have already sparked widespread outrage and concern about the treatment of prisoners during military operations.

What war crimes did the navy seal get accused of