The trial of Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher, a decorated member of the Navy SEALs, offered rare insight into a culture that is, by design, difficult to penetrate. Our colleague tells us what he learned from the verdict. Guest: Dave Philipps, who covers the military for The New York Times. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily.
Background reading: After a key witness for prosecutors changed his story on the stand, Chief Gallagher was found not guilty of the most serious charges against him, including the first-degree murder of a captive ISIS fighter and attempted murder of civilians in Iraq.Some SEAL commanders expressed worry that the verdict would discourage others from reporting possible war crimes in the future.