Ex-Green Beret Tim Kennedy Shot Three Times in Congo Ambush, Congressman Confirms

Former Green Beret and UFC fighter Tim Kennedy was shot three times in the leg during an ambush in Congo last month, a situation confirmed by former Congressman Derrick Van Orden. Kennedy is currently being treated at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

The attack occurred in South Kivu and resulted in approximately 20 wounded and at least two confirmed deaths. Among the casualties was Justin Conaglen, a former member of New Zealand's Special Air Service.

Kennedy was part of a security detail with Vectus Global, a company founded by Erik Prince, which provides consulting and security services in the region. The company's forces were reportedly traveling between locations when the ambush took place. Sources suggested the sophistication of the attack indicated Rwandan forces might have been involved, possibly tracking a surveillance drone used by Vectus.

UFC President Dana White learned of Kennedy's injuries during a press conference for his Contender Series. "I don’t know anything about it," White said. "Obviously, I hope he heals up." Upon learning the wounds were to the legs, he added, "I wish him well."

Van Orden, who spoke with Kennedy, shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the former fighter was alive. "I am asking everyone to pray for his healing and that his wonderful family find Peace," he wrote.

Vectus Global's mandate in Congo initially focused on securing and improving revenue collection from the country's mineral reserves. The company's forces were deployed to Uvira earlier this year after a deal brokered by Washington for Rwandan-backed rebels to withdraw from the town.

Kennedy and White had a public dispute in 2014 regarding fighter pay, which Kennedy claimed led to him being sidelined from fighting opportunities.