TOM COTTON ARKANSAS 326 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-2353
United States Senate
COMMITTEES ARMED SERVICES JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE JUDICIARY SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE
February 28, 2024
The Honorable Lloyd Austin US. Department of Defense 1000 Defense Pentagon Washington, D.C, 20301-1000
Dear Secretary Austin:
I am writing to you regarding an active-duty U.S. airman’s self-immolation outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. on February 25, 2024. You have made it a top priority to address “extremism” amongst our total force, and this act of horrific violence — in support of a terrorist group — raises serious questions about how this individual was allowed to serve on active duty.
Please provide the following information no later than March 7, 2024:
- The Department has touted its efforts to address “ideological extremism” within its ranks.
Was this airman ever identified as exhibiting extremist leanings? - Did the Department’s anti-extremism training address support for Islamic terrorist groups like Hamas?
- Did the airman display any concerning behavior prior to this incident? If so, what was the behavior? What actions were taken to address that behavior?
- Has the Department determined if the airman had access to classified information? If he had access, did he take any actions that compromised U.S. national security prior to February 25?
- Did you find evidence of support for Islamic terrorist groups in your search for Department of Defense extremists? If so, how did you address that support?
- Have any other military members participated in anti-Israeli actions that violate Department of Defense policy on restricted political activities? If so, was this behavior appropriately addressed?
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Tom Cotton United States Senator
JONESBORO 300 South Church, Suite 338 Jonesboro, AR 72401 (870) 938-6223
ROGERS 3333 S. Pinnacle Hills Pkwy, Suite 425 Rogers, AR 72758. (479) 751-0879
LITTLE ROCK 1401 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 235 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 223-9081
EL DORADO 105 West Main Street, Suite 410 El Dorado, AR 71730 (870) 864-8582
