Issue Position: Haditha, Iraq Investigation

Issue Position

In my six years in Congress, I have and will continue to stand by the U.S. Marines serving our nation at home and abroad as they valiantly defend our freedom. As a former Army Private who achieved the rank of Captain, I know many of the challenges our service members face. In this time of war, it is imperative that we provide our troops with the appropriate resources and support necessary to carry out their missions.

On November 19, 2005, a four-vehicle convoy containing U.S. service members from 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, "K" Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division and Iraqi forces encountered an insurgent improvised explosive device (IED) and small arms fire ambush near Haditha, Iraq. One U.S. Marine was killed, and two were wounded.

On the same day, the deaths of 24 Iraqi citizens also occurred near Haditha. On March 12, 2006, the Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) initiated an investigation into the civilian deaths. NCIS continues to investigate this matter and currently has over 60 agents devoted to its investigation.

To date eight Marines have been charged in connection to the Iraqi deaths. Four Marines are charged with murder, dereliction of duty, making false official statements and obstruction of justice. Four others are charged with failing to properly report or investigate the deaths of the Iraqi civilians. The accused Marines are presumed innocent, and the current charges are only accusations against the individuals.

While I strongly support our Marines, I also recognize the importance of prosecuting those accused of wrongdoing and upholding the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Camp Pendleton officials have assured me that the investigation relating to this matter is being conducted in a thorough and judicious fashion according to military protocol. I continue to closely monitor these proceedings to ensure that the investigation and legal proceedings are conducted in a fair and expeditious manner.

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