Father of soldier killed in Jordan asks White House for justice
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The father of a Green Beret who was killed in Jordan is asking the White House to pressure the country to take responsibility for the actions of one of its soldiers who he believes was responsible.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James Moriarty and two other Green Berets were killed November 4, 2016 as they returned to King Faisal Air base, where they lived and worked.
Jordan was quick to blame Moriarty and other soldiers, at first claiming they failed to properly stop at a guard gate.
Moriarty's father, Jim Moriarty, said an FBI investigation showed that to be a lie.
ORIGINAL STORY: Local U.S. serviceman killed in Jordan military attack
"One of their soldiers murdered my son," said Moriarty.
Late last month, following investigation by both the Jordanian government and the FBI, Moriarty was able to see surveillance video of the attack.
"It was very, very hard watching that video," Moriarty said.
What it showed though, Moriarty said, was a Jordanian solider ambush two American soldiers and then stalk his son and the only person who survived.
"My son died saving the life of the only survivor," Moriarty said.
Jim Moriarty penned an op-ed critical of Jordan's government after receiving a letter from a Jordanian ambassador labeling the killings a "tragic accident," and insisted the Jordanian soldier who opened fire followed all military rules of engagement.
"They've lied again and again and again," said Moriarty.
Moriarty said that soldier needs to be held responsible for the deaths, and if Jordan is going to protect him the U.S should question whether the country is truly a U.S. ally.
If the Jordanian government is not going to hold anyone accountable, Moriarty said, the country should lose its $1.6 billion in foreign aid that it receives from the U.S.
The father of the fallen soldier has asked President Trump to review the surveillance video of the attack before meeting next week with Jordan's King Abdullah when he visits the U.S.
"I say to you enough is enough. No more money. No more troops. No more Americans coming home from Jordan in body bags," said Moriarty.
U.S. Congressman Ted Poe has contacted the White House on behalf of the Moriarty family also.
"When improper things are done people need to be held accountable," said Poe.
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