In a recent legal skirmish that weighs heavily on the notions of justice and accountability for those who serve, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stands alongside former U.S. Army Specialist Winston Hencely, a valiant combat veteran grievously wounded in an act of terror on foreign soil, against military contractor Fluor Corporation - this narrative is further detailed on the Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton official news release.
On Veterans Day, a bombing occurred during a 5K run at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, carried out by an employee affiliated with the Taliban who was working for Fluor Corporation. The attack resulted in the deaths of five Americans and injuries to sixteen others. Among the victims was former U.S. Army Specialist Winston Hencely, who later pursued legal action seeking compensation for the harm he suffered.
Winston Hencely filed a legal claim under South Carolina law seeking damages related to the Bagram Air Base bombing. However, the Fourth Circuit Court dismissed his claims, citing the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The FTCA generally governs claims against the U.S. government and does not extend immunity to private military contractors, including Fluor Corporation. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and other state attorneys general have criticized the ruling and called for reconsideration.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stated, “Our military servicemembers and their families deserve better than a system that gives corporate contractors a free pass.” According to a press release from the Attorney General’s office, Paxton emphasized that private military contractors should be held accountable under the law like any other American entity or individual.
