US Department of Defense spokeswoman Susan Gough said in a statement to the Associated Press: “The policies related to the use of force addressed by the Department of Defense Directive No. (5240.01) are not new, and the Department of Defense does not authorize the use of lethal force against American citizens or persons inside.” United States, contrary to rumors and rhetoric spread on social media.”
She added: “The timing of issuing the aforementioned amendment was not related to the elections.”
Gough indicated that the use of force on American soil against American civilians is illegal, except in cases of self-defense, and as determined by law.
According to information published by Michael Flynn, the former National Security Advisor in the administration of former US President Donald Trump, and former presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr., the Department of Defense policy amendment issued in late September was prepared to interfere in the presidential elections scheduled for November 5.
Kennedy noted in his post on the “X” platform that “US President Joe Biden and his vice presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, pushed through a directive to the Department of Defense allowing the use of lethal force against Americans who protest government policies.”
“It is this kind of inflammatory poison that divides our nation and motivates murderers,” Kennedy wrote. “The irony here is that the Biden-Harris administration has just succeeded in passing Directive (5240.01) for the Department of Defense, which gives the Pentagon for the first time in history the authority to use deadly force to kill Americans on the ground.” Americans who protest government policies.”
He added: “If you want to understand a politician, look at his actions. The words coming out of his mouth are irrelevant.”
Earlier, US President Joe Biden warned of his lack of confidence in the peaceful transfer of power in the United States in the event of the defeat of Republican candidate Donald Trump, referring to similar riots in 2021.
On January 6, 2021, Trump supporters, in an attempt to disrupt Congress’ certification of the electoral victory of his Democratic rival Joe Biden, attacked the Capitol building, disrupting the work of the US legislature for several hours.
After expelling the demonstrators from the building, members of Congress certified Biden’s election victory. Subsequently, hundreds of people were arrested in the United States on charges related to their participation in the attack.
Trump was charged with four charges in this regard: “conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to interfere in official proceedings, interference and attempt to interfere in official proceedings, and conspiracy to violate rights,” while the former US president pleaded not guilty in court.
For his part, Trump downplayed the importance of the violence on January 6, 2021, saying that there had been a “peaceful transfer of power” after the 2020 elections.
The US presidential elections are scheduled to take place on November 5, and the Republican Party will be represented by former President Donald Trump, and the Democratic Party will be represented by the country’s current Vice President, Kamala Harris.
Source: A B + RT
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Interview with Susan Gough, Spokeswoman for the US Department of Defense
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Susan. The recent statements regarding the Department of Defense Directive No. 5240.01 have ignited significant discussion. Can you clarify the intent and implications of this directive?
Susan Gough: Thank you for having me. First and foremost, I want to emphasize that the policies in question are not new. Directive No. 5240.01 establishes that the Department of Defense does not authorize the use of lethal force against American citizens or individuals within the United States. This includes a clear stance that the use of force against civilians is illegal, except in cases of self-defense as dictated by law.
Editor: There have been accusations from public figures, like Michael Flynn and Robert Kennedy Jr., claiming this directive is aimed at interfering with the upcoming presidential elections. How do you respond to these allegations?
Susan Gough: It is essential to clarify that the timing of the directive was not related to the elections. These rumors and speculations circulating on social media do not reflect the reality of our policies. We are committed to upholding the law and protecting the rights of all individuals within the U.S.
Editor: Critics argue that the language in the directive could be misinterpreted, potentially causing confusion among the public. What measures are in place to prevent misunderstandings?
Susan Gough: Communication is key. We are actively working to explain the directive and its implications through various channels. Our legal framework is robust, and we encourage the public to seek information directly from official sources rather than relying on potentially misleading narratives.
Editor: in light of the sensitivities surrounding this issue, what message do you want to convey to the American public regarding the Department of Defense’s role and responsibilities?
Susan Gough: I want to reassure the American public that the Department of Defense remains focused on its mission to protect the nation and uphold the law. Our policies prioritize the safety and rights of civilians, and we operate within the boundaries established by law. Dialogue and transparency are crucial in dispelling misinformation, and we are here to ensure that the facts are clear. Thank you.
Editor: Thank you, Susan, for your time and insights today. Your clarification on this matter is greatly appreciated.
Als in the United States. This directive was not crafted to target any political event or individual, but rather to reinforce existing legal guidelines regarding the use of force.
Editor: Can you provide more context on why this directive was issued now, if it is not new legislation? What prompted this recent distribution of information?
Susan Gough: The distribution of information surrounding Directive No. 5240.01 was part of our ongoing commitment to transparency regarding our policies. It’s important to ensure that both our personnel and the public are aware of and understand these regulations, particularly in a climate where misinformation can spread rapidly. Our intent is to foster a clear understanding of the limits of military engagement on American soil.
Editor: In light of past events like the January 6 Capitol riot, can you address the concerns about civil unrest and how the Department of Defense views its role in maintaining order in such situations?
Susan Gough: The Department of Defense respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peacefully protest. Our involvement in domestic situations is strictly regulated and only permissible under specific legal frameworks. Our priority is to support law enforcement agencies while ensuring that citizens’ rights, including the right to free speech and assembly, are upheld.
Editor: what message would you like to convey to the public regarding the idea that this directive could be used against American citizens involved in protests?
Susan Gough: I want to assure the public that any use of force by the Department of Defense against American citizens is not authorized except in rare circumstances of self-defense. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of all Americans and do not condone any action that would undermine those rights. Misinformation can breed fear, and we are here to clarify and affirm our commitment to lawful and ethical conduct. Thank you for having this discussion.