Preliminary reports of persons on the scene did not indicate friendly fire.
The Army considered it a combat death, and the Tillman family were informed of this before they buried their son.
In the meantime, the Army continued to gather information. Statements that were originally made did not add up, and so a formal inquiry was launched.
A few weeks later it became apparent that the original reports were simply not accurate.
The Tillman family is now alleging that the Army "knew" that it was friendly fire the day they buried their son, that the Army "lied" to them on purpose to make sure that Tillman's memorial would be good press and they are even suggesting that Tillman was killed intentionally - i.e. murdered - by his own brothers-in-arms, because Tillman had allegedly concluded that the war in Iraq was "illegal."
From the Army's perspective, they have admitted that maybe they should have told the Tillman family that some doubts were emerging on the original account of Tillman's death due to discrepancies in timelines, etc. - but I'm wondering how much responsibility the Army really has to report painful rumors that have not yet been substantiated.
The Tillman family are beginning to push a conspiracy narrative tailor-made by enemies of this Republic.
Well said. I think that’s pretty much my own take on the situation.
This is not true. Those on the scene knew within minutes after this engagement what happened.
With that said....what should not be forgotten and what the left and MSM don't want to point out....is that Ranger Pat Tillman was a hell of a man who died on this shield while taking the fight to the enemy. He was leading from the front when he fell. There was an engagement with the enemy in those Mtns....and Ranger Tillman was going to the sound of gunfire when he was killed.
God Bless the man.
Furthermore it is disgusting what those on the left are now doing.....And how they are using his death to indirectly help those enemies that Ranger Tillman was taking the fight to when he died.
The Army made a few mistakes in how they handled this....but there was no "cover-up"....Those suggestions are simply foolishness....and a tool to try and further hurt the current war effort. Disgusting.