The four-star Army General in charge of U.S. Central Command is under investigation for allegedly pushing a subordinate service member during a recent trip to the Middle East, according to three U.S. officials familiar with the investigation.
The Army Criminal Investigation Division is looking into allegations that General Michael “Erik” Kurilla shoved an airman while traveling on a C-17 several weeks ago, the officials said.
The alleged incident occurred when General Kurilla became frustrated on the flight when the plane experienced communication problems and logistical issues, the officials said.
After an airman asked Kurilla to take his seat and buckle up for his safety, the General allegedly lashed out, pushing the airman aside. Multiple service members were present and witnessed the reported altercation, the officials said.
A defense official said, “The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division is aware of an alleged incident and is currently looking into the matter. At this time we have no additional information to provide.”
The Army Criminal Investigation Division did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The division is an independent federal law enforcement agency responsible for felony criminal investigations and operations. Its website states that its primary mission includes investigating serious crimes.
A spokesperson for U.S. Central Command was not aware of an investigation. A spokesperson for the Office of the Secretary of Defense declined to comment.
It’s not clear whether Kurilla could be removed or suspended from his position pending the outcome of the investigation. For now, he remains in the job and is currently traveling in the Middle East, according to a senior administration official.
Kurilla has been at the helm of CENTCOM, the combatant command in the Middle East and Central Asia, since April 2022. He spends months of every year traveling throughout the region, and that has increased since the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, including traveling to Israel multiple times and coordinating the defense of Israel when Iran launched a massive air attack in April 2024.
The Commander of CENTCOM position generally has a three-year term, meaning Kurilla is expected to relinquish command on April 1, 2025.
Before leading CENTCOM, Kurilla commanded the 75th Ranger Regiment, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the XVIII Airborne Corps. He was also the Assistant Commanding General of the Joint Special Operations Command. He was awarded a Bronze Star with valor after a battle in Mosul, Iraq in 2005, in which he was shot multiple times but continued to fight alongside his troops.
