Senator Tim Sheehy called on April 20 for justice for Gold Star families and greater accountability from the Iranian government regarding attacks on Americans, according to an opinion piece published by FOX News. Sheehy said the United States should ensure that $15 billion in Bitcoin, allegedly linked to Iran, is given to victims of Iranian terrorism rather than being claimed by the federal government.
The issue is significant because it concerns how the U.S. handles funds tied to state-sponsored terrorism and whether those assets are used to support victims or are redirected elsewhere. The case involves a group of families led by the mother of 1st Lt. Jacob Fritz, who was killed in Iraq in 2007.
Sheehy wrote, “During my time serving in the Middle East, I witnessed firsthand Iran’s role in the systematic targeting and murder of Americans.” He described how Congress created laws allowing U.S. courts to order illicit Iranian assets turned over to victims and explained that current legal action seeks billions held as cryptocurrency allegedly mined by entities helping Iran evade sanctions.
He criticized Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, saying: “I was appalled to see the U.S. Attorney… decide to stand against these Gold Star families.” According to Sheehy, Nocella argued that some Bitcoin were not owned by Iran but instead linked them with Southeast Asian scam operations run by a Cambodian citizen named Chen Zhi.
Sheehy’s background includes co-founding the Montana Firefighters Fund according to his official website, serving as a Navy SEAL officer leading combat deployments according to his official website, earning both a Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart according to his official website, graduating from the United States Naval Academy where he participated in varsity crew and special operations training according to his official website, raising four children with his wife—a former Marine Corps officer—in Montana according to his official website, and serving on Senate committees covering Armed Services; Veterans’ Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation according to his official website.
Sheehy’s commentary concluded: “At a time when the U.S. is the closest it has been to eliminating this evil regime… we should do everything we can to keep this money out of the hands of terrorists instead of looking for ways to pad the government’s pockets.” The debate continues as legal proceedings move forward.
