The Texas Army National Guard soldier who drowned in the Rio Grande during a migrant rescue attempt was not equipped with a flotation device. That acknowledgement from the Texas Military Department in an email response to the Texas Tribune and Military Times. Specialist Bishop Evans, who was part of the state’s Operation Lone Star border security mission, had jumped into the swift-moving river near Eagle Pass last Friday after seeing two migrants struggling in the swirling currents. Both publications have previously reported on complaints from Texas Guard soldiers about not being properly equipped in general, as well as about numerous other problems with the operation. Several Texas lawmakers have called for an immediate investigation into the lack of equipment.

Source: ABC News April 27, 2022 21:04 UTC