REPS LIEU AND SWALWELL CALL FOR DOJ INVESTIGATION INTO RUSSIAN WAR CRIMES IN UKRAINE

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA), who sit on the House Judiciary Committee, urged the Department of Justice to investigate potential war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine. In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, the former prosecutors note that the numerous alleged war crimes being committed by Russian forces have now resulted in the death of at least two non-combatant Americans.

In the letter, the Members write:

Dear Attorney General Garland:

Thank you for your service during this challenging time. Russian forces in Ukraine appear to have committed numerous war crimes, including bombing a maternity and children's hospital; striking a building housing children; shelling apartment buildings; and targeting civilians. Now at least two U.S. nationals have been killed by Russian forces who apparently were purposefully targeting civilians. As former prosecutors, we request that the Department of Justice open an investigation into possible war crimes committed by Russian forces up to and including any military and civilian leaders who may have authorized the killing of civilians.

Two U.S. nationals have already been killed in Ukraine by Russian forces. On March 13, 2022, Russian troops shot and killed American journalist Brent Renaud. He was in the town of Irpin traveling to film refugees when Russian forces opened fire. Mr. Renaud was a non-combatant and there was no indication he posed any threat to the Russian forces when they killed him. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated Renaud's death was "shocking and horrifying" and that "this is part and parcel of what has been a brazen aggression on the part of the Russians where they have targeted civilians, they have targeted hospitals, they have targeted places of worship and they have targeted journalists."

On March 16, 2022, Russian forces killed U.S. national Jimmy Hill. According to Mr. Hill's sister, "My brother Jimmy Hill was killed yesterday in Chernihiv, Ukraine. He was waiting in a bread line with several other people when they were gunned down" by Russian troops.3 Mr. Hill was a non-combatant and there was no indication he posed any threat to the Russian forces when they killed him.

In this case, both Mr. Renaud and Mr. Hill were non-combatants who were not taking any active part in the hostilities. Mr. Renaud was a journalist traveling to film refugees, and Mr. Hill was standing in a bread line. Russian troops shot and killed both Mr. Renaud and Mr. Hill without any apparent provocation.

We respectfully request that the Department of Justice open an investigation into potential war crimes committed by Russian forces, and their chain of command. Thank you for your attention this serious matter.

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