Uploaded Video on YouTube After Hiroshima Visit
Some Interpret Remarks as Aimed at Putin
The head of the US intelligence community has publicly made remarks suggesting that "warmongers are fueling a nuclear crisis that could destroy humanity," drawing attention to the background of these comments. According to a current US government official, such statements are "extremely rare," and some interpret them as being directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has pressured the West by suggesting that the use of nuclear weapons is under consideration.
A screenshot of a video uploaded on YouTube by Tulsi Gabbard, former US DNI director, saying "I recently visited Hiroshima, Japan." Tulsi Gabbard YouTube
According to Yonhap News on June 11, Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) of the United States, uploaded a 3-minute and 31-second video to YouTube on June 10 (local time), stating, "I recently visited Hiroshima, Japan." The video features Director Gabbard’s reflections on her trip to Hiroshima ahead of the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, as well as scenes depicting the horrific damage caused by the bombing.
On August 6, 1945, the US dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, resulting in the immediate deaths of 140,000 people or their deaths from aftereffects by the end of that year. Director Gabbard stated, "The single bomb that caused such enormous destruction in Hiroshima was very small compared to today’s nuclear bombs," and added, "Today’s nuclear weapons can kill millions of people within minutes with just one detonation."
She continued, "Today, we are closer than ever to the risk of annihilation from nuclear war, and political elites and warmongers are stoking fear and tension among nuclear powers without concern." She criticized, "This is probably because they are confident that they and their families will have access to nuclear shelters that ordinary people cannot use."
She also added, "It is our people’s duty to raise our voices and demand that they stop doing this."
Although it is not clear what specific issue Director Gabbard’s remarks were targeting, AFP commented that "the tone is more fitting for a politician or activist than for a Director of National Intelligence." The agency also noted that these remarks came at a time when aides to US President Donald Trump are expressing frustration with Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire.
AFP reported that Japanese media described the remarks as "extremely rare from a current US government official, and contrary to the US government’s past position of justifying the atomic bombing of Hiroshima."
Japanese government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary, reportedly declined to comment directly on the video. However, he emphasized, "Accurately understanding the destruction and suffering caused by atomic bombs will form the foundation for various efforts toward nuclear disarmament," and stressed, "Based on the belief that the horrific loss of life in Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never be repeated, it is important for Japan to continue realistic and practical efforts with the United States to realize a world without nuclear weapons."
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