WASHINGTON — Jordan’s military released the security camera footage of the Nov. 4 shooting that killed three U.S. Army service members outside the al-Jafr base in southern Jordan.

The Jordanian soldier involved in the shooting, 1st Sgt. Marik al-Tuwayha, was sentenced to life in prison, according to a report by AP.

The soldier said he opened fire because he thought the base was under attack, but the courts ruled he violated military orders. Jordan initially stated that Americans did not follow proper protocol when entering the base, which led to the shooting, but that claim was withdrawn.

The three U.S. Green Berets killed in the attack were Staff Sgt. Matthew C. Lewellen, 27, Staff Sgt. Kevin J. McEnroe, 30, and Staff Sgt. James F. Moriarty, 27.

The fathers of the three slain service members sought murder charges against the defendant, according to a report by Military Times.

The family members were shown the security footage before it was released to the public and claimed the video showed the soldiers did not violate any protocol.

“The shooter testified that he heard a loud noise as the Americans approached the gate, and thinking that he was under attack, he panicked and opened fire,” said Brian McEnroe, the father of Staff Sgt. Kevin J. McEnroe. “I can tell you with absolute certainty that anyone who views this video will only conclude that this third false narrative is equally as insulting as the first two.” 

The defendant was sentenced to life in prison with hard labor, according to AP. At the end of his sentencing he said, “I have all the respect for the king, but I was doing my job.”


About Shawn Snow

Shawn Snow is the senior reporter for Marine Corps Times and a Marine Corps veteran.

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