WILLIE JAMES INMAN:
00:01:13
Republican Senator Tom Cotton says he's not against releasing the video, but defended the strikes. It looked at one point like they were trying to flip the boat back over, presumably to rescue its cargo and continue their mission.
WILLIE JAMES INMAN:
00:01:24
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has found himself in the hot seat as details of the attack emerged. This weekend, he defended the Trump administration's efforts to go after so-called "narco terrorists" and said the second strike was justified. It was a link-up point of another potential boat. Drugs were still there. They were actively interacting with them. Had to take that read. I said, "Roger. Sounds good."
WILLIE JAMES INMAN:
00:01:47
Hegseth would not say whether the video of the second strike would be released, but said a review is underway. But critics are seizing on President Trump's own comments on the controversy. I don't know what they have, but whatever they have we'd certainly release, no problem. Under the law, if someone has been struck and continues to engage in hostilities, points a gun at you, has a gun, they may be a legitimate target. But if they are outside of combat, they are not, and attacking them is a violation of the laws of war. Tonight, for the first time as president, Mr. Trump attends the Kennedy Center Honors. He's also hosting them-- another first for a president.
JERICKA DUNCAN:
00:02:28
Willie James Inman at the White House. Thank you.
