A four-star Army general is facing accusations he allegedly assaulted a subordinate on a flight that threw him into a rage when the aircraft experienced logistical problems, according to US officials.
Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla — who oversees the US Central Command in the Middle East and Asia — is under investigation following reports he lashed out at the service member and pushed him aside while traveling on a C-17 to Israel in September, NBC reported.
Officials said the alleged incident happened when the airman asked the high-ranking Pentagon boss to sit down and buckle up after he became irate when the plane suffered communication and logistical issues.
Multiple members of Kurilla’s air crew witnessed the reported altercation, according to NBC.
“The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division is aware of an alleged incident and is currently looking into it,” Mark Lundari, a CID spokesperson said in a statement to the outlet.
“No additional information is available at this time.”
The independent federal law enforcement agency — which investigates serious crimes — routinely conducts preliminary inquiries when allegations of misconduct are made, and officers who violate military customs and laws are commonly placed on paid suspension amid any investigation.
As of Thursday, Kurilla is still on active duty and traveling in the Middle East, NBC reported.
He has made several trips to Israel in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, massacre and other allied territories as the Jewish state’s war with Hamas and terror group Hezbollah continues.
