Pentagon's vow to protect Vindman against retaliation tested after Blackburn attacks decorated veteran

By Zachary Cohen, CNN
Updated 10:13 AM ET, Sat January 25, 2020

(CNN) — A top Pentagon official as recently as last month vowed the department would not tolerate "any act of retaliation" against Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman -- a pledge now being put to the test after Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn this week repeatedly attacked the key National Security Council aide who testified before Congress on the Ukraine scandal.

Responding to concerns about Vindman's safety following his November testimony in the House impeachment inquiry, Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist -- on Defense Secretary Mark Esper's behalf -- assured Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer that the department would take any "steps necessary" to ensure the White House detailee's safety, according to a copy of a December 16 letter to Schumer that was obtained by CNN.

"Let me assure you, the Department will not tolerate any act of retaliation or reprisal," Norquist wrote to Schumer, noting that he was speaking on behalf of his boss, Esper.

"Further, we are committed to taking whatever steps are necessary, consistent with Section 714 of Title 10, US code, to ensure the security of LTC Vindman," he added. Norquist also promised to provide the same protections for Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Laura Cooper, another impeachment witness who provided key testimony in the House probe.

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