No Criminality Found in Tillman Shooting ; Action Urged Against Officers Who Erred

Mar 27, 02:20 PM

Current Headlines: By LOLITA C. BALDOR, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON Nine high-ranking Army officers, including four generals, made critical errors in reporting the friendly fire death of Army Ranger Pat Tillman in Afghanistan, but there was no criminal wrongdoing in the shooting of the former NFL player, the military concluded Monday.

Defense officials and a pair of reports released Monday on the 2004 incident, however, did not rule out criminal action by those who provided misleading information as the military was investigating the killing.

Army and Defense Department investigators said officers looking into Tillman's death passed along misleading and inaccurate information and delayed reporting their belief that Tillman was killed by fellow Rangers.

The investigators recommended the Army take action against the officers, but suggested no specific punishments and left that decision to the Army. Possible steps could include demotions, dishonorable discharges, jail or letters of reprimand.

In addition, acting Army Secretary Peter Geren apologized. "We as an Army failed in our duty to the Tillman family, the duty we owe to all the families of our fallen soldiers: Give them the truth, the best we know it, as fast as we can," he said.

Tillman's death received worldwide attention because he had walked away from a huge contract with the National Football League's Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the Army after the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

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