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Rumsfeld Denies Role in Tillman Cover-Up

On Hill, ex-Pentagon chief rejects personal responsibility

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 1, 2007 12:51 PM CDT

(Newser) – Donald Rumsfeld took no responsibility today for the bungled handling of the reporting and investigation of Pat Tillman’s death, saying he always stressed honesty at the Pentagon. Before a House committee, the ex-defense secretary denied allegations he was involved in the military plot to claim the ex-NFL star was killed by enemy fighters rather than friendly fire.

As Tillman’s family watched from the last row behind him, Rumsfeld said he felt “heartbreak” for them, the New York Times reports. He testified that as Pentagon chief, he wrote a memo warning employees not to do anything that could damage its credibility. Oversight committee chairman Henry Waxman alleges the cover-up involved Pentagon higher-ups and possibly the White House.

Former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld prepares to testify on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007, before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing investigating the friendly fire death of Pat Tillman in Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld prepares to testify on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007, before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing investigating...   (Associated Press)
Cpl. Pat Tillman is seen in a this 2003 file photo provided by Photography Plus.  Lawmakers and the family of Pat Tillman  want Pentagon officials to answer  why was an American Predator drone flying over the scene of the friendly fire shooting? Did it record the scene, and if so,...
Cpl. Pat Tillman is seen in a this 2003 file photo provided by Photography Plus. Lawmakers and the family of Pat Tillman want Pentagon officials to answer why was an American Predator drone flying...   (Associated Press)
Specialist Pat Tillman marches as he performs the honor of being the guidon bearer during graduation ceremonies in this Friday, Oct. 25, 2002 file photo on Sand Hill at Fort Benning, Ga.   A House committee has scheduled hearings on the string of misleading statements by the military following the friendly...
Specialist Pat Tillman marches as he performs the honor of being the guidon bearer during graduation ceremonies in this Friday, Oct. 25, 2002 file photo on Sand Hill at Fort Benning, Ga. A House committee...   (Associated Press)
Former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld  testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007, before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing investigating the friendly fire death of Pat Tillman in Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007, before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing investigating the friendly...   (Associated Press)
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