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Committee of 100 Calls for Thorough Investigation of Infantryman's Death

The Committee of 100 expresses grave concern over the unfolding details surrounding the death of Private Danny Chen on October 3, 2011 in Afghanistan. Pvt. Chen served with the U.S. Army in the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division. At yesterday's Pentagon news briefing, Navy Captain John Kirby, deputy assistant secretary of defense for media operations, confirmed that Pvt. Chen's death resulted from "an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in Afghanistan where he was deployed." Captain Kirby acknowledged the role of hazing and bullying in Pvt. Chen's death and confirmed that the Army has charged eight soldiers in Chen's unit with counts that include dereliction of duty, making a false statement, negligent homicide and reckless endangerment. The Army's Criminal Investigation Command has initiated a probe into the circumstances leading up to Chen's death, but has not yet released complete details.

The Committee of 100 first and foremost extends deepest condolences to Pvt. Danny Chen's family, who reside in New York City, and affirms unwavering support in advocating the full disclosure of the Army's investigation.

The Committee commends the U.S. Army for its decision to charge eight American soldiers in relation to Pvt. Chen's apparent suicide and for publicly acknowledging that Pvt. Chen was subject to bullying and hazing. The Committee respects the U.S. Army's zero-tolerance policy for bullying, as stated yesterday by Capt. Kirby, but underscores that the Army's investigation should probe further to determine any pattern of racially-motivated violence against Asian-Amercan servicemen and women, as evidenced by the suicides of Pvt. Danny Chen and of Lance Corporal Harry Lew in April this year.

The Committee of 100 unequivocally condemns any form of harassment, discrimination or abuse - based on ethnicity, race, religion or sexual orientation - against the young servicemen and women who put their lives in harm's way to defend the sacred principles of this country - liberty and justice.

The Committee of 100 calls on the U.S. Army to ensure that justice will be served in the case of Pvt. Danny Chen with full public disclosure of the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for his death.