Federal court records and public announcements

On September 27, 2024, DoD Directive 5240.01 Expands Military Authority to Use Lethal Force in Domestic Law Enforcement

Oct 15, 2024, 02:07 PM

On September 27, 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) issued an updated directive, 5240.01, which expands the military's role in assisting civil law enforcement. This directive authorizes the use of lethal force under specific conditions, marking a significant shift in the military's domestic authority. Critics have expressed concern that this reissue represents a dangerous precedent, allowing the military to deploy lethal force against U.S. citizens. The directive has sparked discussions about the implications for civil liberties and the military's traditional role, which has primarily focused on external threats rather than domestic issues.