U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) has signed on as supporter of the Detainee Photographic Records Protection Act of 2009, which would restrict the release of detainee photos that could incite violence against Americans, including our brave military men and women.

“We should do everything we can to protect Americans, including those in uniform, and releasing these photos could ultimately be used as recruitment tools for extremists and terrorists bent on destroying our way of life,” Luetkemeyer said. “I also am concerned that the release of these photos would put our brave men and women in uniform serving throughout the world at greater risk of attack.” 

The legislation supported by Luetkemeyer will prevent the release of specific detainee photographs that the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certify will cause harm to military and civilian targets both at home and abroad. Preventing the release of these photos is also supported by President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.   

In addition, senior military commanders responsible for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, including General David Petraeus and General Ray Odierno, have stated that the release of these sensitive military photographs will further endanger the lives of our troops in the field. Groups like the ACLU are suing for the release of those photographs, potentially exasperating tensions in the very region our troops are now fighting.

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