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How Pardoning Servicemen Accused Of War Crimes May Impact The US Military

Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher is set to stand trial in February.
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Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher is set to stand trial in February.
President Trump may be preparing to pardon servicemen accused of war crimes, including Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher, a Navy SEAL who is set to stand trial in San Diego next week.

President Trump may be preparing to pardon servicemen accused of war crimes, including Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher, a Navy SEAL who is set to stand trial in San Diego next week.

The New York Times reports the Trump administration has requested the necessary paperwork to pardon troops, which could happen as soon as Memorial Day.

Gallagher has been charged with a series of crimes including, shooting unarmed civilians and killing a teenage ISIS fighter in his custody. Gallagher has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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RELATED: SEAL Charged With War Crimes To Remain In Custody

Dave Philipps, who covers the military for The New York Times,

talks about how unusual a pardon would be in Gallagher's case and what kind of message it could send to current service members.