Adm. Frank 'Mitch' Bradley to Face Congress After Scrutiny Over Reported Follow‑Up Strike

Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley To Brief Lawmakers On Sept. 2 Strike

Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley, a career Navy SEAL and the current head of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), is scheduled to brief members of Congress about a Sept. 2 strike in the Caribbean that reportedly included a follow‑up attack that killed survivors. Lawmakers have demanded answers after media reports raised questions about whether a second strike was carried out and what legal authorities governed the operation.

What Happened

According to reporting and multiple sources, the Sept. 2 operation targeted an alleged drug‑smuggling vessel. The campaign tied to that mission has reportedly destroyed more than 20 boats and is linked to 83 deaths. Conflicting public statements from senior officials have intensified scrutiny: initial denials of a follow‑up attack were followed by a White House statement saying Bradley ordered the second strike, and subsequent comments from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that shifted responsibility toward Bradley while expressing support for him.

Why Bradley Is Central

Bradley was commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) at the time of the mission and has been identified publicly by some officials as carrying responsibility for the follow‑on strike. Sources who served with him described him as stoic, meticulous and level‑headed, and said he has deep experience with maritime operations and the legal frameworks that govern classified missions.

“He’s a guy who has done thousands of strikes over his career,” a source familiar with Bradley told CNN, noting the Sept. 2 mission took place during Bradley’s 37th month at JSOC.

Background And Reputation

Bradley graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1991. His commands include JSOC, Special Operations Command Central, and the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (SEAL Team Six). He has led counternarcotics operations in South and Central America and served as executive officer to former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford. Colleagues and former subordinates praised his leadership, legal awareness and composure under pressure.

Bradley and his wife come from military families and have four children, including a son who is also a Navy SEAL. Peers describe him as calm, deliberative and unwilling to seek public credit — traits consistent with many special operators who conduct highly classified missions.

Political And Legal Scrutiny

Lawmakers from both parties have said they expect to press Bradley in classified briefings about the orders he received and issued, the legal basis for follow‑on strikes, and the rules of engagement applied in maritime counter‑drug operations. Some members faulted the public rhetoric and leadership culture at the top of the Defense Department for encouraging overly aggressive approaches; others emphasized Bradley’s record and character.

Reports that Defense Secretary Hegseth ordered a directive to ensure all individuals on the boat were killed were disputed and remain contested in public accounts. White House and Defense Department statements have not presented a single, uncontested public timeline of events, which increases pressure on Bradley to provide a clear, classified accounting to Congress.

What To Expect

Bradley is expected to deliver a candid briefing in classified settings, answer detailed questions about authorities and legal counsel consulted during operations, and address both tactical and policy concerns from lawmakers. The hearings are likely to examine operational decision‑making, legal oversight, and whether established rules of engagement and international law were followed.

Note: This summary synthesizes reporting and on‑the‑record statements from officials and sources; some details remain under review by Congress and the Defense Department.