In the latest illegal attack on Venezuelan boaters, two survivors of the bombing were seen clinging to the wreckage trying to survive. Hegseth ordered a second attack that killed the two survivors. Hegseth's "Kill them all" order is a direct violation of UCMJ. Once the men were no longer a threat and surrendering, killing them was officially an illegal act.

Under the Universal Code of Military Justice, Hegseth and the officer who carried out the order are guilty of murder.