The Pentagon has paused the U.S. Military’s plan to give COVID-19 vaccinations to the detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, according to officials.
The Pentagon has paused the U.S. Military's plan to give COVID-19 vaccinations to the detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, according to Pentagon officials.
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs John Kirby announced on Twitter Saturday that the plan to vaccinate inmates is now on pause and that no inmates have been vaccinated thus far.
"No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated. We’re pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe," his tweet reads.
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View on XTwo defense officials told Fox News that 40 detainees at Gitmo would receive the vaccination. This announcement sparked backlash due to the fact that millions of Americans are still desperately awaiting the vaccine while terrorist inmates would jump the line and receive the vaccination promptly. This agenda is now reportedly halted per Kirby's announcement.
"It is inexcusable and un-American that President Biden is choosing to prioritize vaccinations for convicted terrorists in Gitmo over vulnerable American seniors or veterans," Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-NY, said Saturday. in response to the initial plans.
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