Rep Harris Demands Answers on DoD's 'Lethal Force' Directive; Congressional Inquiry Looms as Concerns Mount

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As DoD grants itself the power to use lethal force on US soil, a growing chorus of lawmakers and citizens demand answers, with Rep Andy Harris leading the charge in a powerful new interview.

The Biden-Harris administration's Sept. 27th revision of DoD Directive 5240.01, which permits the use of lethal force by the military on U.S. soil under certain conditions, has ignited a firestorm of controversy. Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), have seen over 300,000 posts discussing the directive, as outrage over the lack of transparency and potential civil liberty violations continues to grow.

The directive, quietly updated on the eve of what will be one of history's most hotly contested elections, has drawn sharp criticism for its vague language and failure to clarify protections for U.S. citizens, leaving many concerned about the potential misuse of military powers during national emergencies. Independent and alternative media networks like Vigilant News and public figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Ron Paul, Alex Jones, and Dennis Kucinich have joined thousands of others in calling attention to this crucial and time-sensitive matter.

Most recently, Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) voiced his concerns during an interview with Newsmax on Oct. 16, calling the directive "very worrisome" and raising alarms about the lack of clarity in its provisions. Harris noted that the directive refers broadly to "U.S. Persons" without outlining how intelligence will be used or what protections are in place to safeguard civil liberties.

Read the NewsMax article here.

He emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, "This is a major step, when you increase the ability of your own Department of Defense. And it doesn't say we're going after criminals. It just says 'U.S. Persons.'" Harris added, "This is exactly what the Democrats said Trump would do. And they're doing it."

Harris pointed out that Congress was not in session when the directive was released, further raising concerns about its timing. He expects this issue to be a top priority when lawmakers return to Washington after the election, stating, "When Congress returns, we will discuss this directive." He warned that the directive could be exploited by the government during a national security emergency, potentially allowing the military to be deployed against U.S. citizens without sufficient oversight.

This latest development follows the release of GreenMedInfo.com's original Oct. 7 report on the stealth expansion of military intelligence powers, which shed light on the potentially far-reaching consequences of the directive. The report highlighted key changes between the 2016 and 2024 versions of the directive, including:

  1. Expanded military role in domestic affairs
  2. Authorization of lethal force under certain circumstances
  3. Removal of explicit references to constitutional protections
  4. Introduction of a 72-hour provision allowing immediate action without prior approval

The timing of this update - just weeks before a highly contentious election - has raised additional concerns about potential misuse during periods of civil unrest. Critics argue that the expanded definition of "national security threats" could be used to target individuals for their political beliefs or suppress legitimate protests.

As the directive gains widespread attention and sparks calls for immediate congressional inquiry, it's clear that this issue will take center stage in the legislative chambers, with demands for transparency, oversight, and the protection of civil liberties.

The controversy surrounding DoD Directive 5240.01 underscores the delicate balance between national security and individual rights in the United States. As the debate continues, many are calling for a thorough review of the directive to ensure that any expansion of military powers in domestic affairs is subject to strict oversight and constitutional safeguards.

As this critical issue continues to unfold, concerned citizens are encouraged to stay informed and engaged. On Oct. 20th, Sayer Ji and former Congressman Dennis Kucinich (now running as an independent in Ohio) sat down with Vigilant News to discuss the concerning new changes to military policy regarding the use of lethal force in civilian law enforcement. Watch here.6 This in-depth conversation provides valuable insights into the potential implications of DoD Directive 5240.01. For the latest updates on this directive and its potential impacts on civil liberties, you can follow Sayer Ji on X (formerly Twitter) @sayerjigmi. Additionally, to receive comprehensive coverage and analysis of this and other important health freedom topics, consider subscribing to GreenMedInfo's free newsletter at www.greenmedinfo.com.

The coming weeks and months will likely see increased scrutiny and debate over the directive as Congress reconvenes and public awareness grows. By staying informed and participating in the democratic process, Americans can play a crucial role in ensuring that the delicate balance between national security and individual rights is maintained. Continue to watch for further developments on this story and its implications for civil liberties in the United States.


References

1. GreenMedInfo Research Group. "Unveiling the Military's Domestic Overreach, and the FAILING of the Posse Comitatus Act." GreenMedInfo, October 17, 2024. https://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/unveiling-militarys-domestic-overreach-and-failing-posse-comitatus-act.

2. GMI Reporter. "DoD Directive 5240.01: The Stealth Expansion of Military Intelligence Powers in Life-or-Death Domestic Scenarios." GreenMedInfo, October 18, 2024. https://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/dod-directive-524001-stealth-expansion-military-intelligence-powers-life-or-death-.

3. McManus, Kate. "Rep. Harris to Newsmax: 'Scary' New DOD Directive 'Totally Uncalled For'." Newsmax, October 16, 2024. https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/andy-harris-dod-national-security/2024/10/16/id/1184340/.

4. Nunn, Joseph. "Why the Posse Comitatus Act Must Be Reformed." Brennan Center for Justice, October 3, 2024. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/why-posse-comitatus-act-must-be-reformed.

5. U.S. Department of Defense. "DoD Directive 5240.01: DoD Intelligence Activities." U.S. Department of Defense, September 27, 2024. Insert actual URL when available

6. Vigilant News. "Sayer Ji and Dennis Kucinich Discuss Military Policy Changes." Unite Live, October 20, 2024. https://unite.live/greenmedinfo/greenmedinfo?recording_id=4665

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