Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Answers From Secretary Hegseth on Attack on Girls’ School That Killed 175 in Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C.- On March 13, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02)sent a letterto Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding answers and accountability following damning reports of mass civilian casualties from American strikes on a girls' school in Iran. The letter, sent alongside House colleagues, calls for "detailed information about the steps the U.S. is taking to prevent and respond to civilian harm," as well as an assessment of the civilian casualties caused by airstrikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' elementary school that occurred last week. Preliminary investigations indicate that the strike on the girls' school was a mistake caused by the U.S. military's use of outdated targeting data.

"Civilians and civilian infrastructure may under no circumstances be the object of attack and must at all times be respected and protected by all parties," wrote Vasquezand other members of Congress in the letter. "We seek detailed information regarding civilian protection during Operation Epic Fury and steps the military is taking to mitigate and respond to civilian harm."

In addition to demanding answers and accountability around civilian casualties, Rep. Vasquez has been outspoken against the Administration's war in Iran.

• Rep. Vasquez voted in supportof the Iran War Powers Resolution to curb the Administration's unilateral military actions in Iran without Congressional approval.
• Rep. Vasquez cosponsored a billto ban federal officials from trading on prediction markets after reportsraised concern over Administration officials profiting off the Iran war.
• Rep. Vasquez has also raised concernsover the spike in gas prices caused by the war in Iranand has urged the Administration to refocus on bringing down costs at home, not launching another prolonged conflict overseas that costs taxpayers billions of dollars. Administration officials have estimated the first six days of the war cost taxpayers over $11 billion.

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