Montana Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL, claims he was shot in combat in Afghanistan, but recently admitted there are no records to prove the injury. The lack of documentation has fueled controversy, especially as a former ranger accuses Sheehy of accidentally shooting himself in a U.S. national park years later.
Combat Injury Claims Under Fire
In his Senate campaign, Tim Sheehy has repeatedly claimed he was shot in the arm during his service in Afghanistan. However, Sheehy recently acknowledged to conservative radio host Megyn Kelly that there are no medical records backing up his story, admitting, “There’s not an extensive medical record for any of this stuff.” Sheehy insists that he sustained the injury from “friendly fire” and chose not to report it to avoid an investigation that might penalize his comrades. Yet, the absence of documentation has led to questions about the accuracy of his story.
Highlight: Sheehy admits no medical proof exists of his alleged war injury.
Ex-Ranger’s Allegation: An Accident in a National Park
Adding to the controversy, an ex-ranger from Montana’s Glacier National Park asserts that Sheehy’s only documented gunshot wound happened in 2015 when Sheehy accidentally shot himself while hiking. According to the ranger, Kim Peach, Sheehy discharged a firearm illegally in the park and was later fined $525—a penalty Sheehy reportedly paid. Peach, a registered Democrat, stands by his account, which states that Sheehy went to the hospital following the incident for emergency treatment. However, Sheehy denies this version of events, saying that while his gun did go off, it was due to a fall, and he visited the hospital only to ensure that an older bullet lodged in his arm from his Afghanistan service hadn’t moved.
A spokesperson for Sheehy labeled Peach’s account as a “defamatory story,” suggesting political motivations behind the ranger’s claims. Sheehy also reiterated to Kelly that “there was never a gunshot injury” from the 2015 incident, further clouding the issue.
Highlight: A former park ranger accuses Sheehy of accidentally shooting himself on U.S. soil.
No Medical Records Confirm Afghanistan Incident
During her interview, Kelly pressed Sheehy on the lack of medical records confirming his alleged Afghanistan injury. Sheehy conceded, stating there is “not an extensive medical record for any of this stuff.” When Kelly asked if Sheehy had indeed shot himself in the arm, Sheehy firmly replied, “No, that was never the allegation.” He maintained his stance that his Afghanistan wound was the result of a “friendly fire ricochet” that went unreported.
Former military colleagues of Sheehy have reportedly expressed doubts as well, with some saying they never recalled him mentioning a gunshot wound or showing signs of such an injury during his service. The issue has left voters questioning Sheehy’s transparency, especially as he campaigns to unseat Democratic incumbent Jon Tester.
Highlight: Colleagues cast doubt on Sheehy’s unverified injury claims.
Campaign Controversies and Alleged Racial Remarks
The gunshot claims are only the latest controversy surrounding Sheehy’s Senate campaign. He has also faced backlash over alleged racially insensitive remarks regarding Crow Native Americans, reportedly referring to them as “drunk Indians.” Such accusations have prompted criticism from activists and community leaders, further complicating Sheehy’s public image as he seeks to gain a foothold in the tightly contested Montana Senate race.
Sheehy’s political opponents argue that his lack of clarity and repeated controversies undermine his credibility. Nonetheless, he currently holds a lead of nearly 5% in polls, according to recent reports from The Hill and Decision Desk HQ. The tight race could significantly impact Senate control, heightening the stakes of the ongoing scrutiny.
Highlight: Sheehy has also been criticized for alleged racially charged remarks.
Conclusion: Transparency Issues Plague Sheehy’s Senate Bid
As Tim Sheehy campaigns to secure a seat in the U.S. Senate, questions about his honesty and credibility continue to emerge. From an unsubstantiated combat injury claim to accusations of racial insensitivity, his Senate bid faces mounting scrutiny. Voters are left wondering if Sheehy’s claims of heroism align with the facts or if his stories are clouded by inconsistency.
The unresolved questions surrounding his alleged Afghanistan injury could prove pivotal, particularly as Senate control hangs in the balance. For Sheehy, clarifying his past may be essential for winning over Montana voters who value authenticity and accountability.
