The Blackwater Massacre and What Really Happened in Nisour Square

[@ShawnRyanClips]

Thanks for watching everyone. You can watch the full episode with Blackwater here kzbin.info/www/bejne/eobZgGOvhJyBa6s and Erik Prince here kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKiukIuCe7Sglas Additionally if you want to support the Shawn Ryan Show you can join the community. www.patreon.com/VigilanceElite

[@SavedSnake]

And no one knows most of these heroic actions....

[@southboston9]

Damn they did a total of like 60 years combined.

[@leehess6335]

Another banger 👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@BipoIarbear]

My grandad worked for "the company" in South Africa during the terrorism back in 50s an 60s , he's 100% dead like but he was a total ghost , can't find one shred of anything and even talking to people who were there just walk away or ignore me, it's really weird , spoke to at least 300 people with similar names just out of the phone book in SA an nothing , would been nice to have some closure for my mum 😔

[@josephh891]

Sir. Do you really expect the people to believe this story, even though we have VIDEO evidence of the massacre? What about every civilian and police/military that told the exact same story from multiple locations just after? These guys are trigger happy yahoos, and the only good thing to come out of this whole affair was that they were NOT uniformed members of the armed services. The dishonor they would have brought to the real fighters in uniform would be too much. Imagine this happening to innocent American men, women, children and elderly? And everyone in the loop knows that these clowns shot randomly, and at the time they were not under fire from anyone. Even if they were feeling nervous about _perceived_ eminent contact is not an excuse to engage random targets. I don't even buy the story that they felt a threat. All a case of cowardly men itching to play a round of COD firing on civilians. Trump made a mistake pardoning these guys.

[@Arcane808]

Shawn really is a great interviewer. Not only does he really listen, but he almost immerses you into visualizing the story

[@dangershotz]

One of the best interviewers he really actively listens so it’s more like a conversation

[@kingleebz1188]

Shut up Robert.

[@ARGCDG]

He lets people talk. Most interviewers seem to think we are interested in them.

[@origin_556]

Yea not even close bro he don’t even really ask good question or even say anything but the same thing every show he literally is just quiet mostly

[@Arcane808]

@@origin_556 Thats the point.

[@BreakdowntheFacts]

Shawn conducts his interviews very well. He doesn’t over-talk his guests when they recount their experiences. He subtly interjects only to clarify for better understanding. He’s compassionate but most importantly professional. Hands down one of the best podcasts out there. Salute to these brave men for sharing their journey.

[@AdamGee8]

True he does amazing but it’s also a bit different interviewing vets recounting stories like these. Very serious and something you don’t want to take lightly. It might go down a bit differently if he had a comedian or someone on but idk I just stumbled upon these types of interviews last week 😂.. Cheers man.

[@kaleidoscope8743]

It makes a big difference that he's lived it himself and he doesn't try to crunch his interviews but also he's interviewing military... they're all trained to conduct themselves the same way. They don't have political agendas ot different reasons to be there. They're all talking about the same thing.

[@frankflstf]

Absolutely nothing worse than a over active interviewer

[@jamesmullins5826]

Yo! Nick was my cell mate for about 6 months. So glad to see him out now. He didn’t think he was EVER going home. Really good dude.

[@ShawnRyanClips]

What a small world you would end up seeing this. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@DevotedDisciple-x]

@knobody1159 Stay classy.

[@timbuktoo7050]

Free at last enjoy life

[@DevotedDisciple-x]

@@knobody1159 I'm sure it was in your world.

[@KimJungDwayne]

@KNO BODY coming from a NOBODY

[@BillMiller-fh4zw]

It’s so refreshing to have somewhere to go and hear the truth. No spin, no lies, just facts from Hero’s on the ground. Sir I’d like to thank you for your service and your platform.

[@Demon_punisher]

No lies or spin are you even have brain you believed them 😂😂😂 now I know why America called the grand de. Vil

[@Zelinc]

Bootlick some more. You can listen to their stories and decide for yourself without bootlicking

[@FuNkYTiMeS001]

Asking the killers and murderers about whether they murdered civilians or not?? Yeah that's only white supremacists dogs way of finding the truth.

[@tyleraddington6173]

Thank you for giving these men a platform to voice their story and experiences on. I respect the hell out of each and every one of you.

[@denimjez]

In Mosul my sniper team observed Iraqi police place what looked like an IED. We called it in. One of our Strykers came by to check the area with thermals. Said they couldn't find anything. After our guys left ING drove past our hide. Backed up dismounted and came looking for us in the junkyard we were in. We got small. They were within 10f ft of us. It looked like they knew someone called in about our report. We got picked up thinking we were comprised. Next day IED went off right where we said it was. I'd rather be in a fire fight then go through that again.

[@sawyer_volm9265]

Why is there kids posting as you on your channel idk if your kids posted videos on your account but if you don't know you do now p.s I'm shipping out in April to San Diego for boot camp

[@denimjez]

@sawyer_volm9265 because my kids used my tablet that was linked to my acct. They have their own channel now.

[@abramweston9873]

What team were you with?! I had something similar in 07.

[@denimjez]

@@abramweston9873 I'm not on a team. Just a grunt. This was with 172 SBCT out of Ft. Wainwright 05-06

[@trumpanzeeslayer4036]

I hear you. I did two tours over Macho Grande.

[@neubert500]

I give you much respect Sir! Not only for your service, but for your skill in your interviews! You don't interrupt to hear your own vice. but only to clarify a point, and you let the interviewee tell the story. EXCELLENT

[@observingcitizen404]

A-freaking-men

[@missykowalewski]

The Shawn Ryan Show is undoubtedly the best talk show format on social media. He doesn’t make it about him…. He allows his guests the time they need to talk through their story. Bravo Mr Ryan 👏👏 thank u for all the work that goes into these videos. (And Katie.. thank u)

[@hotgranny4sure]

My daughter sent me your show with michael yun. Im hooked! I am watching everything you have so far. Thank you! I thought I knew war, I didnt know shit! My folks owned a bar in a very small, one street town and I remember the guys coming back from Vietnam, they were so different than before they went. Not much was mentioned but as I got older, I heard some unforgettable horror stories.Thank you so much for giving us the truth and what is really going on. Thank you for your service and to all thats been your guests. Wish I had better words, thank you just isnt enough for your lives have been changed forever. What is happening these days hereU.S. is so scary.

[@The-Canon]

Dude… it is amazing that you were able to put all these perspectives and people together. This one is 🔥

[@rancewhite9312]

This has become my favorite podcast to listen to. From specific clips of existing episodes, to new episodes, they are all very interesting to listen and watch.

[@timbuktoo7050]

Same here. My son likes it too he's 11

[@samsca8529]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHSXpHSXi5aYeNU

[@samsca8529]

@@timbuktoo7050 Your son is older than some of the children murdered by the men in this video

[@AKRules-gr6nc]

Thanks for all your videos. I never served but I’ve been a LEO for over 32 years and have such a great respect for our Military and the hero’s that protect our great Nation🇺🇸 Jeff

[@chriselliott7244]

Sounds like service to me. Cheers from Canada.

[@rustyshackleford9898]

I was part of the Response force with 4ID when this happened. I had always wondered for years what really happened. I heard about what happened on TV, but come on, we all know there’s another side to that story. I’m really glad to hear this. This brings closure to a lot more people than you’d think.

[@paulroggenbeck3129]

Thank you for your service Brother. GOD be with you!

[@GabrielVelasco1908.]

There's all sides of the history and there's the truth, and the truth is that US GOV invaded Iraq for no reason and in this case (blackwater) a 9 yo and a 11 yo were killed. For me there's enough evidence that shows that blackwater was a mistake.

[@Devildog1979]

Love this channel, i got out the Marines on May 31, 2003, if i had any idea it was gonna be as bad as it became i would've definitely stayed n reenlisted, in 2005 i did try and wasn't excepted due to back injury (3 ruptured disc). I was severely pissed, even tried army and navy with no luck!!! God bless all my Marine and other military brothers and sisters, love u all!!!

[@Devildog1979]

@DailyShortShorts thanku for the comment and ur exactly right, God had other plans!!! God Bless and stay safe!!!!

[@samsca8529]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHSXpHSXi5aYeNU

[@snowroaches]

I knew guys who volunteered for Afghanistan because they thought it'd all be over within 6 months. That was before they started to stop-loss everyone.

[@JustTip922]

Same here brother. Got out in 05, tried to go back in 08, they told me I was to old. Wtf!

[@Devildog1979]

@@JustTip922 God had other plans, but it was hard to swallow for a while!!!

[@dosendustin]

Nice editing Mr.Ryan to add authentication and validity to the story being told on the 4 bodies to be honest it was needed I was unsure of any of the stories because until the cut away the 2 giving there account of the story seemed unsettled and anxious!

[@dennisobrien2578]

Ryan, you may be the most important interviewer of our time! Thank you for what you’re doing!

[@nonnie2428]

@Shawn Ryan, I am a continuous watcher of your shows. You’re doing our American service men an honor by giving voice to them. Only issue I personally have is that I don’t understand the abbreviations of the engagement terminology. Maybe I don’t have a need to know but it sure would help!😉

[@biriani2855]

They werent servicemen they were mercs

[@jerrodhayes5034]

It’s utterly disgusting the hate these men get when the people making the accusations won’t even listen to them speak. I pray for you guys that all the video footage comes out one day.

[@noturdad5354]

won’t listen to a murderer fucking speak when they roll around on top on humvees killing civs, says they were shooting. they weren’t and they killed innocent people while just driving around. have you seen any of the footage?

[@Garrick1983]

You can thank the Michael Moore era propaganda films for such fake news dissemination. He was the beginning of the fascist media takeover.

[@blankspace7336]

They promote empathy yet they dont even practice it themselves Lol

[@pdb6157]

This is such a good channel the interviews as a whole and these clips are making me watch me the show twice and I pick up on things I missed the first time

[@markphillips9822]

I started working at Blackwater in early 2009. Shortly after a tragic helicopter crash at Moyock, NC. Best bunch of guys I ever worked with. We had a remembrance lake on the property for fallen employees. I remember when these guys were convicted. It was a sad day for the company. Along with Fallushia

[@Hurdle11C]

My mortar platoon had a gun at the Bayji CMIC (formerly the police station) in 2003. We worked with the IP quite a bit but were certainly aware that some of them were on the other team. It doesn't surprise me too much that that issue continued and grew later on. Iraq was a mess with all the internal factions and politics from the start of OIF. Oh, and some imported foreign fighters just in case it wasn't enough of a clusterfuck.

[@dannyjayke8695]

When you getting charged and tried for your war crimes? Iraq was a mess yeah that’s what happens when America get its involved

[@5jump]

It’s an eerie feeling when you bring the bodies of people you killed into an IP station only to find out they were IP. Not too comfortable when you’re surrounded by potential tangos.

[@samsca8529]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHSXpHSXi5aYeNU

[@trujillo71921]

​@5jump that's gotta be a f*cked up situation.. I couldn't imagine. Like, "hey man here's a few of your buddies.." sheeeshh

[@3vpme2]

@@5jumpthat’s wild

[@BLAZEPET]

SHAWN, I LOVE THE NEW GUEST MASHUP THEY ARE AWESOME! There's been some episodes where I'm trying to remember what the other dude said to fill in the story. EVERYONE should do this to get people to understand 100%of a topic. THANKS KEEP EM COMING!

[@longbow4975]

Shawn, I've had a heart attack recently and I am here to tell you to go get that checked immediately. Stay healthy brother we need you

[@johngetz8585]

As a 59 year old... lifelong Outdoorsman and worker in the gun industry. These are mesmerizing. As a 6'1" 195# guy, I was going to go in the military right out of high school , but my father wanted me to follow him into his business in the gun industry ,which I did. I participated and lot of AR platform matches. Successfully. But do not think for one second I think of myself as what you guys do. My hat is off to you guys as I have mad respect for those who fought for our country in this military. A lot of my family did. From the Civil War up until modern times. How exactly do I become a patreon member? Keep It Coming Sean, you keep it as real as anybody. I'm mesmerised at night before I turn in for the night to listen to these. Thanks again to all the guys for being so brave for this great country... ...respect, bro...

[@JoBlakeLisbon]

I agree with everything you say, but what benefit did America get from the war in Iraq? Thousands of soldiers killed and injured and what happened in the end? ISIS took over from Sadam Hussein. That's a severe military failure by any metric. The same thing happened in Afghanistan - the Taliban are now back in charge - and Libya - now it's a completely destroyed country full of Islamic insurgents. It's a shame such brave men fought and died on middle Eastern and African soil and twenty years later, all three countries are probably a bigger threat to the US than they were before.

[@toddhanley6982]

They didn't fight for 'this country' they fought for money, as mercenaries do, I and my guys fought for 'this country' at 1/5 the pay. Maybe you should've joined up after all

[@FuttBuckerson]

@Joseph Patrick You seem like you are a few years behind on your Iraq news, and even at that, misinformed on some aspects.

[@killawhale2236]

Who gives a fuck about what they fought for just be happy you didn’t get drafted because if people like them didn’t volunteer be sure your narrow behind would’ve been sleeping in the sand

[@colleencarr2437]

You are just a idiot and lucky my other message was deleted

[@ORDEROFTHEKNIGHTSTEMPLAR13]

This is the best MILITARY CHANNEL on KZbin by a country mile 👍😁

[@vitoblack5928]

You have the best channel hands down you get info we need to kno

[@davidrobins4025]

Thanks, Shawn, for this fascinating interview. It truly is good to hear the real story - the truth.

[@aposyl7110]

My Friend Don was Part of that Black Water Convoy. In the U.S., we ( his family and myself) recieved a call around 1.a.m. telling us that they've been restricted to base. That he's o.k. and alive, but there's been a serious incident that he could not tell us about, but that we'd find out on the News in the following days. He eventually told me of the story. He fought for his life both that day for nearly a decade in court after the fact. At the time of this engagement there was a sort of grey area regarding contractors and rules of engagement In following years successful prosecutions against the 1st contractors for violating rules of engagement occurred. The 1st one being a British contractor and was charged with murder. Because of the length of time since the incident, the D.O.J. kept trying to prosecute Don - which would have been a life sentence. He ultimately was free from all charges. Thank God all of you guys made it home.

[@aposyl7110]

@KNO BODY so were you at the square that day? If you look back at the time of that incident there were a Murky area in which the D.O.J. utilized Contractors. Their thinking being that these "Aren't" soldiers the rules of engagement don't apply to them. Hence what you clearly and probably most accurately term heavy trigger fingers. Mr. Prince and Black Water definitely were cruising the line. But up until that incident from what im aware of ZERO contractors were ever convicted for how they showed up in the field. It was a few years after this when prosecuting contractors actually started happening and the Rules which Conducted themselves could be a jailable offence. This was the problem. The D.O.J. wanted to convict those 5 young men as of they were soldiers. They were not. That was the Rub and hence there 10 year court battle. The rules or lack of them did indeed cause that heavy trigger action. And also why soo many Americans were pissed there Mr. Prince Even got that contract for Black. He was 1 of 5 guys who were charged out of that entire convoy. The details those events have never been properly been shared with the public. I could be wrong, it's been many years now. If your aware of more detailed reports of the actual incident I'd love to read it.

[@brockbrawn1524]

Well dont try to do uncle Sam's dirty work and expect to walk away scott free. You dont just get to shoot anyone willy nilly. Political pawns, play stupid games win stupid prizes.

[@Philitron128]

They were involved in the murder of 17 men, women and children. NONE were a threat. They just started killing them all, despite the police screaming for them to stop shooting. They need to be Nisaur'd.

[@Go_Ask_M0m]

Owsley or Bennett?

[@Go_Ask_M0m]

KNO BODY is speaking entire truths!!

[@smeyely]

Best show on yt for sure, no bullshit, just raw conversation❤

[@rebanelson1673]

Thank you Mr Ryan for these shorter clips. I have watched and loved the full-length ones I have watched. I'm employed now ....I've seen this one I believe, but it's so cool to hear from the folks who were involved and learn more about these things that are hard to truly take in and process. God bless you and all your guests who have sacrificed and served so much. Beyond words and my imagination. Just a regular girl saying thanks here.

[@samsca8529]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHSXpHSXi5aYeNU

[@drown_n]

Ayo shawny boi she wannit

[@TJ24050]

I was in Baghdad in 06-07, when this happened. I didn’t here much about it then, we were still pretty busy and it was a blip on an intel brief one day. After hearing their stories, I totally believe that the IP’s and even the ING ambushed them. Had some buddies kill two IP’s emplacing an EFP at 2 in the morning at checkpoint 543, the intersection of the Qadisiyyah highway, airport road, and highway 8 running south. Next to that giant Sunni mosque. Our Charlie company had an IED blow up within 75 meters of an IP checkpoint. We rescued a Sunni women from getting gang raped at an IP station. Most of them were in the Mahdi militia. If this would have been American soldiers that fired all the shots instead, they would have never so much as received a counseling statement….

[@timbuktoo7050]

Preach

[@brockbrawn1524]

Both sides are full of good and bad people. You remember that.

[@AAA-Wolf]

@@brockbrawn1524 - Calm down Brock, you’re commenting all over the place. Have you been to war before?

[@mynameisnotyours888]

Thank u for ur service

[@NerdestGamaer]

@@brockbrawn1524this isn’t a good or bad people argument, this is an argument of saying the Iraqi Police were state sanctioned terrorists that committed terror acts against the people they are supposed to serve.

[@bryanblake8607]

I have never been in the military, however I have had family that was and several dear friends that have been and still are. Sitting here listening to this from first hand is amazing what went on and goes on in a war zone.

[@samsca8529]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHSXpHSXi5aYeNU

[@johnluke2212]

We had 4 of our PSD guys taken hostage by a large group of Shia militants dressed as INP at the Ministry of Finance in Baghdad, a year or so before this incident. They where driven into Sadr City and unfortunately never made it out. R.I.P the Garda World 4. 💔

[@gabriel7664]

I really appreciate your show. I first started seeing "Shawn Ryan clips" in the KZbin shorts section. That brought me to the full show. Man it really is a great show...I was never in the military. I almost joined in 07. I sincerely regret all of the almosts in my life.

[@damonjakobeit1830]

Just a heads up and I'm not trying to be a jerk off but dont tell Vets how you "almost joined"

[@brosnboonies8395]

I love this channel The attention each hero gives the other is remarkable and respectful. I get a tear almost every time I hear a war story. I love working in the yard while listening to these hero’s of our nation tell their tale. I get a whole other level of respect because I’m free to work in my yard because of their selfless sacrifice for us all. Thank you a gazillion. No amount of thanks can describe how I feel

[@LibertyOrD___h]

Do you even realize who these mercenaries are???

[@brosnboonies8395]

@@LibertyOrD___h does it matter? Hero’s of this nation. Period.

[@challomullen3858]

My budz

[@rarecandy3445]

@@brosnboonies8395killing innocent civilians. heroic.

[@chrisjolly4880]

​@@rarecandy3445 name 1 single military force that has zero blood on their hands? Right.

[@deejay2793]

Thank you gentlemen-for your service, and for giving us the truth.

[@josephadams2109]

Great interview, Thank's for Givin these MEN, the Time to Tell What Happened to them.. May these MEN, Find PEACE Amongst their Fight...God Bless them & Their Family's..

[@rsa9082]

Shawn. Thank you for sharing these stories/memories of these men. Years ago I lost faith in the main stream media and without you and a few others making this content I would never know the truth of what happened. God Bless all of you men involved in beyond sorry for what our country has done to you

[@malpracticemedic635]

You’re killing it brother 💪🏼

[@justinsmith4562]

Thanks man

[@SkyboundAdventures]

@shawnryanclips I just came across your podcast and truly appreciate your interviews. Keep up the great work!

[@bolgerisdashizz]

YKW , this massacre would've happened if the war never started. Iraq was pointless

[@vinterangel77]

I've watched both original episodes and I'm glad I did. Important information about what actually happened, on how Blackwater got blamed for things they wasn't involved in, and how wrong the story about these guys was put out by the the Obama Admin, Pentagon and the media. Cudos to you Shawn, for giving them all the chance to tell their story. 🙏

[@ShawnRyanClips]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@JamesSmith-nq8ns]

Correct me if I am wrong, pretty sure most of the stuff he is talking about all happened under Bush...

[@robertwalsh434]

shocking the obummer admin lied, they were undoubtedly the worst and most corrupt we have ever had.

[@Fartcache]

How many of their dicks have you sucked?

[@erikreddington461]

Let me correct, it's not information. It's a case if he said/ she said. Truth and information lies somewhere in between. Lot of people in white House AND in blackwater had to cover their own ass. ALWAYS trust in human self interest above all.

[@jdsaldivar5606]

82ND AIRBORNE Mr Prince exposed that...no matter how good of a team that you have. When the wrong people are in charge ( Rice ) the right tools for the job are shelved...

[@corbinclements2222]

Thank you for what you do. All of you.

[@justinsmith4562]

Cheers

[@bobbybands6923]

My brother was 88 mike in army and if I’m not mistaken it was transportation that he did. Super dangerous depending where you were at, I was pretty young at the time and my parents kept me as separate from it as they could but a little over a year after he got out he killed himself. I can only imagine what is going on with these guys in private. Idk how they can talk about it. My brother was a ghost when he came home. I woke up one night to him in the fetal position in the middle of my room on the floor whimpering, and then he’d disappear for weeks at a time and go on benders, I think he would just live out of his truck for the periods of time he was gone or couch hop, cause I would find out afterwards from people.

[@afis5144]

And now imagine how the parents of the the 9 year old boy they killed feel.

[@DevotedDisciple-x]

@afis5144 Imagine how the parents of the children forced to gather the minerals to create your phone feel. "But that's different!" Right?

[@afis5144]

@@DevotedDisciple-x No thats not different. Both Mercenaires and People/companies who force children to work should be arrested. Both problems just shows that the USA has big corruption problem, if big companies get away with murder and forced labour.

[@timbuktoo7050]

Nahh

[@OleDonKedic]

How's your brother currently doing? Hopefully he's doing better. Sadly our govt. And the VA have failed our heroes and their families. Tell him that I sincerely thank him for his service when you can. His sacrifices for this country will never be forgotten!!

[@DannyHanny_]

Thank you for this, Shawn.

[@brandonsimms6548]

Thank you for your confidence Shawn Ryan, sir.

[@TheBadTrad]

I love that they made a medal depicting St Michael the Archangel! “St Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil…..”. St Michael, ora pro nobis!

[@Luke-ck3ee]

Deus Vult!

[@TheBadTrad]

@@Luke-ck3ee Amen, brother! Dominus Vobiscum!

[@ClintAir-q3p]

Yall helped me today. Thank You all.

[@adanmccloskey3149]

“We didn’t do anything wrong …because if we did we would’ve done it this way…..” is never a good way to prove innocence

[@andreaholcock8992]

These guys are such scumbags. I hope they end up like Chris Kyle

[@aidanhudgell8871]

There’s ROE’s and then there’s survival. When you’re getting your shit pushed in and people are dying and not knowing where you’re taking direct fire and even knowing the difference of who is what since every swinging dick over there carries AK’s and the cops possibly working with AQ, you would most definitely fuck everything in every direction to get out of the kill zone.

[@andreaholcock8992]

@@aidanhudgell8871 word salad, that’s not even what happened

[@Centiipede]

​@@andreaholcock8992Chris Kyle was a hero. These guys are heroes too.

[@andreaholcock8992]

@@Centiipede nope

[@7eddiii]

Wait this isn’t a red dead redemption video

[@Luke-ck3ee]

It’s the first I’ve ever heard your account and to be honest, for the past 16 years I just assumed your Team fucked up that day. I’ve only recently left Iraq after all these years for good, and harking back to that time back in 06/07 when I too was running PSD and convoys, I can relate to your account of the events and can recall numerous incidents where we were also attacked by IA and IP. Iraq was absolute mayhem back then. Sorry for all those who suffered on all fronts and I hope you guys find some peace.

[@bill8by516]

Politics over logic - Condi Rice - what a $hit show!!!

[@nathanw8929]

Total respect for what you guys have done and continue to do. True damned few. Politics has no place on the battlefield UK

[@gart9680]

I'm shocked that some (not all) US folk express surprise that Iraqi personnel A. aren't friendlies. B. That Iraq is a factional society. The naivety expressed is staggering. US morality, social structure... won't work in Muslim countries. As it hasn't worked elsewhere.

[@OpenCarryUSMC]

Politicians and ignorant civilians will never understand that war is an atrocity and that when there is war there will be shooting and collateral damage. I am convinced that Blackwater and it’s personnel did nothing wrong. Their ONLY mistake (saying that knowing full well that there will always be mistakes made in war time operations but they are the norm) was thinking that the government had their back. Blackwater was hired to do things the government didn’t want to have to explain and justify up the chain in order to get done and weigh down with bureaucracy. Blackwater could do what had to be done without the insanity of microscopic pencil pushers and bean counters. But they should have known they’d be thrown under the bus if it was politically advantageous or expedient. We saw it with the Navy A6 v gondola incident and many others… and those were active duty. Anything to save their pathetic desk jobs and power.

[@AB-ee5tb]

Cool that dying innocent people is just casually summed up as “collateral damage happens” would you be so callus if those innocent people were your family?

[@JamesNtennessee]

​@@AB-ee5tbnobody thinks it's "cool" that innocent civilians were killed. It's tragic.

[@davidcaram7675]

Very impactful and compelling.thank you.

[@robertstephenson8107]

Just gets more intense and with these amazing stories of survival against all odds and the courage these hero’s display in the face of death. Thank you Shawn for bringing these gentlemen on to tell the truth in these sorry times of FAKE NEWS on the major CBS NBC and the likes and thank you for your service sir.

[@frankflstf]

Fascinating information Shawn great job and great informative show you and your content are solid badass 💪🔥🐐GOAT 🐐🔥💪

[@mrkooter]

I love this channel. Thank you for brining light on this event. God Bless you brother.

[@joegunter8662]

Outstanding interview 👍👍

[@blissettblissett00710]

The way those 3 are just staring at him with little to no movement as he explains this story in beginning…. My neck hurt for them…

[@grahamfee4841]

It’s interesting to me that people who might not be familiar with the lingo might not understand the severity of the situation.

[@Slcm02]

Great job guys. God Bless America.

[@brianemery8945]

U Can tell these guys are being very careful about what they say. Can't blame them. They were caught up in the shyt

[@jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974]

correct, exactly, right ... .... ✊ 😑

[@cavemanlovesmoke4394]

Thank you guys with much respect and love God bless 🙏

[@WhiteIkiryo-yt2it]

It's good to finally hear the other side of this story because the media has done its best to completely butcher the reputation of these guys and for years I believed it so I offer my apologies for thinking bad of these guys. Heard a few stories of the Iraqi Police so not surprised at all that they kicked it off.

[@benpapenfus9375]

Now Imagine with all the trigger happy role players, you are in a expat company providing low profile PSD services to extreme sensistive projects. Dressed up mostly like insurgents in soft skin unarmored vehicles, with standard insurgent weapons, mostly in insurgent controlled areas we travelled safely through insurgent manned checkpoints. It was not uncommon to notice the IP working hand in hand with the insurgents. Our problems were mostly to avoid friendlies namely the coalition forces, other PSD teams, honest IP checkpoints and BLACKWATER (my company was unofficialy tied and involved with the said). The eventual incident was only the final straw in the coffin for what we could only call trigger happy cowboys thinking pushing normal traffic out of the way is a right. Rules of engagement can be ignored. I am sorry for the specific people who had to take the fall eventually for an incident which most likely could justify most of the collateral damage in this case. People with no idea of such a situation can easily sitting in an armchair condem the actions taken. You only need one or two loose cannons for things to get out of control unfortunately. This incident turned our future contracts into utter hell and we faced repercussions in our home country as mercs. Most insurgents turns into a civilian in the blink of an eye. But lets be clear most of the so called civilian casualties would gladly have chopped off any foreigners head. Like which happened to several of us, and which was kept under covers because secrecy was our motto, which suited the agendas of the role players. America is turning into a liberal mess with no idea of how to fight fire with fire.

[@marlawyatt7449]

Once again, an outstanding interview

[@2020-f4q]

Would you ever consider interviewing the guy that testified against his fellow soldiers?

[@sammylacks4937]

I read Eric's book , enjoyed it and learned so much. I used to like others say , they were paid how much!! ? There's a big side of that story that you don't hear about. I encourage anyone interested, read " Blackwater" and hear the other side and like myself maybe you'll join me in thanking Erik for his service both with the military and the service to our military they preformed as Blackwater. Thank you , enjoyed your book.

[@LP3me]

This is a very good mash up of multiple sides of the story. Great video clip,well done.

[@ShawnRyanClips]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974]

well Trump did them well, he gave them help ... i am okay with that ✊ 😑

[@Mr_D555]

Blackwater was such a great brand until the deep swamp decided it wasn't.

[@noahmiller4839]

"we asked these mercs if they committed a war crime and they said no, case closed"

[@jrector04]

Pretty much sums up the comments

[@brockbrawn1524]

Ahh yes, if someone says their telling you the truth. Better just accept it as truth. Because we know, no one in a uniform would ever do messed up stuff.

[@jaydenyoung4851]

@@brockbrawn1524 and we know no one in iraq ever attacked soliders

[@P.G.Wodelouse]

shhhhh don't tell them about the video definitely showing them committing war crimes for fun.

[@jackwalker9492]

I have no idea what went down and am commenting before watching. HOWEVER, the FBI getting pretty self-rightseous after WACO and other Feds at Ruby Ridge. That was in a totally permissive environment. Can you say contaminated crime scene or witness statements from the enemy? The more I worked around Federal Agents, the more my respect went to contempt

[@brockbrawn1524]

And these guys are no different. Most the people on this show think they deserved a license to kill at will. With no exceptions.

[@jackwalker9492]

@@brockbrawn1524 BS. I was there as a contractor and had plenty of buddies in BW. There are a great tool for a lot of circumstances and you obviously dont know shit. I saw great soldiers, contractors, etc. I also saw shitbag soldiers and contractors.

[@jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974]

exactly right, be cautious, stay good, be well

[@crono3339]

Man in Ramadi contractors were pretty much mercenaries with a get out of jail free card. Things ain't black and white but they started alot of trouble, we did too as regular army but they created shit storms for everyone. Basically kicking up a hornets nest and then driving away. I can't pass too much judgement but that license to kill at will was pretty common and still is. It's that archetype lots of guys wanna be, and some of em are still rolling through the streets in America killing and imprisoning our fellow citizens.

[@jackwalker9492]

@@crono3339 Yep. I saw good and bad, particularly the new start ups that had nothing but American.. I had been with some British companies that were much better. I started with 3 South Africans and 4 Iraqis, but had 823 Iraqis who never let down by the time I left.

[@sackchaser0178]

Wow that’s crazy it’s so sad that they lost 7 years of their lives. It’s not like 17 innocent civilians completely lost their lives, 2 of whom were children under 12 years old.

[@AB-ee5tb]

Exactly

[@matthewwhite876]

One episode that caught the eye, heart and mind, and was soul wrenching at the same time

[@lw3894]

I read about this in Times (I believe) and the story they said was the lil bird went minigun on the white car and sprayed the entire crowd. Crazy how different the media portrayed this incident. Stay strong brothers 🇺🇸✊

[@eriklarson9137]

Well, at least now we ALL know the media lies continually. Right? Didn't we all learn that?

[@JamesNtennessee]

The Times was ready to lock these guys up the day BEFORE it happened.

[@AndreaPick]

Excellent, thank you all.

[@RamadiTaxiDriver60M]

The ROEs and SOPs that caused this were literally mandated by DOS. Even though we suggested otherwise.

[@brockbrawn1524]

Ah yes because they wernt allowed to kill anyone at will. All of sudden it's not their fault, lmao. Buncha boot lickers.

[@godswill2260]

The operating procedures had a standard and all teams met them. When I was contracting we all did the same thing so we could integrate into another team without problems. That’s why they are called Standards. SmH

[@mr.c3928]

Shawn, dude you gave me lots to consider. 🇺🇲

[@darrenhartigan3033]

Thanks Shawn and your team/family/guests

[@ShawnRyanClips]

You’re welcome!

[@greglord6567]

Love your shows Shawn drive all night mon through fri good to listen to all the videos

[@SuperGloriajean]

Thank you Shawn!!

[@rubiconairtv]

The US government never wanted solutions. Can’t make any money that way.

[@rossington1680]

You mean Blackwater, Halliburton, GE, Boeing, etc can’t make money with peace. Wise up and don’t let them distract you with the middle man.

[@swanie5326]

Great excerpt.

[@zacharylong7717]

Best podcast on the internet

[@Aura070]

Rest in peace all the countless victims of the Iraq invasion

[@matthewwhite876]

Thankyou for your service seems unappealing and inappropriate but as an Australian you lads deserve more. 👏

[@derblah9006]

How can you declare that they were wrongly accused? The evidence from everyone else who isn't them including other soldiers on the ground, the FBI, and the Iraqi government say that these guys smoked innocent people for no reason. It's good to present two sides of an argument but you can't just declare that they were wrongly accused

[@weaverjoshuab]

Everyone you mentioned are incredibly corrupt

[@weaverjoshuab]

Including the fbi

[@derblah9006]

@@weaverjoshuab trust me, I’m no fan of the fbi. But I’m willing to believe the testimony of literally dozens of other Americans who all say the same thing. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, then it’s a duck.

[@sullywully8742]

I don’t think their story, assuming told truthfully, necessarily painted the full picture that they didn’t smoke anybody innocent. To me it sounded like they were in a situation that they perceived dangerous and hostile and they reacted to what they felt. Could still be for some reason if was a total mix up but once weapons go hot it’s just a chain reaction.

[@jrector04]

Edit: should add that I’m a big fan of this channel and that I think there’s value in giving these guys a chance to tell their stories, regardless of what your views on the matter are. A lot of focus on what their mindset was and why they thought the KIA was a VBIED. But only vague references to “engaging” targets after that (“after that” being the killing of 15 civilians and wounding of 20). They were scared. Which I understand. But that said, they were getting paid a ton of money to be in these types of situations - ostensibly because they would be able to use their judgment and discretion to accurately assess a threat (or lack thereof). I’ve seen former operators with big channels talk about how these contractors had relatively little military experience, and chalk it up to Blackwater putting inexperienced men into the field in an effort to meet the government’s huge demand for contractors. They panicked and started to spray and pray. It’s a shame they don’t express at least some level of remorse or regret for what they did. Especially since they were pardoned (the idea being that there’s no further legal action that can be taken against them). Even just something like: “listen, I was scared shitless and I decided that it was either me, or them. I did what I felt I had to do, and I really regret that so many civilians died as a result. But I did what countless others would have done in the same situation.”

[@TM_theflan_NT]

The best channel on youtube

[@freedomstar3814]

America is so luck to have so many talented people serving America for it's Freedom. I feel so bad for the pain our soldiers go through when they leave a war and come home to try and blend in with a society that often times stabs them in the back .... stay strong and thanks for your service !

[@a1234-r8w]

bro really said serving for freedom as if they didn't invade another country and commit crimes against humanity LOOOL Americans are the funniest breed

[@Cuefrost101]

Great edit... ✓ery well presented !!!!

[@r23s82]

It is odd that Erik Prince can recount all of this information about March 31st 2004, but he never calls Scott Helvenston by his name.

[@massimilianoronchi6630]

I don't know that situation, can you explain?

[@ralphalvarez5465]

@@massimilianoronchi6630 Scott Helvenston was a Blackwater contractor that was ambushed in Fallujah. He and other contractors were killed, their bodies burned and hung from a bridge. Scott was a former US Navy SEAL and the youngest to complete the Basic Underwater Demolition School - BUDS.

[@militantfascade9176]

He did remember the names of the other three, and who went and informed their families. Maybe he blanked on his name during the interview? Seems somewhat plausible, given how much happened.

[@МальчикФантам]

@Grumpy Bastard bruh read the other comments on this video lol. These people are indoctrinated. Only dumb warhawk cucks like these could be fooled into thinking the devil is the Archangel.

[@karlcarlysle3578]

​@Grumpy Bastard whoa.. every interview Ive seen Erik regrets signing state dept contract. Also none of these guys are perfect but originally he started Blackwater to be around other SEALs and train. Industrial complex??? If you served you were in it we all were. President Eisenhower gave us our warning before I born

[@nathandalton8243]

Awesome Shawn. Just awesome. Thank you.

[@zebulunmusic]

Great episode

[@michaelstjean2708]

Shawn Love your podcasts. I did 25years active duty Army and had the pleasure/privilege to work with Tier 1 members in the USSOC community my last 10 years. I also still contract with DOS overseas. I was at Ibn Sina hospital the 7 months prior this incident and had redeployment the week before. These guys were alot younger and had notorious reputation for being trigger happy. No mention of total civilian casualties. I was in charge of the trauma units and we saw the Blackwater collateral repeatedly. Fog of war does not replace fire discipline. Two sides to every story and Mr. Prince has a very selective memory.

[@williamsecrest3126]

Bullshit

[@robertdole5391]

I too was at Ibn Sina and I also know that EVERY contractor was called “Blackwater” even if it was KBR, Dynacorps, TC or a dozen others. Doctors, Nurse and even the Hospital Command Center have ZERO clue about anything isn’t he OSF or Contractor world. Hell they can’t even wear their beret correctly without it looking like a pizza hat. Just because somebody says something was fro Blackwater doesn’t mean it in fact was. Just like every German Tank in WW2 was a “Tiger”, rumors, miscommunications and fog or war.

[@brockbrawn1524]

Yeah and people are in here trying to be all, "tHanKs fUr uR CerViX". A lot of these guys think they have a license to kill. It seems like most the guys on this channel are just bragging about killing everything. Innocent or not. Buncha trash.

[@popogejo7245]

Sounds just like someone who's worn the uniform, never been down range, and couldn't pick "the fog of war" out of a police line up. To bad the final arbitration of these matters isn't left to the peers of those who've had to do the bullet dodging. AND there's a reason the DOS is nick named, "the fudge factory"

[@bcreech17]

@@brockbrawn1524I’m sorry that you are so embittered and emasculated by the military and the warriors displayed on this channel. Did you have a bad experience at some point with a military member? If the ASVAB was too difficult or the physical standards too high for you to meet, just say so.

[@vafaabbassi1987]

Thank U so much 4 what U are doing , Blessings .

[@oldpain7625]

I wish I could see the drone footage. Also there's a fart at 19:06

[@theshittybowman]

😂

[@AVENTUS7777]

Thanks motherfucker

[@Jimmy-wl2iw]

I was the CJTF (C-IED) Operations Sergeant Major 2007-2008. We kept great records for post invasion ammunition.