Richard L. Rynearson

Richard L. Rynearson is a retired United States Air Force officer noted for refusing to participate in a drone mission that he argued violated the United States Constitution. His case has been referenced in discussions of military law, obedience to orders, and constitutional rights.

Career

Rynearson served as a major in the United States Air Force, where he was assigned to operations involving remotely piloted aircraft.

Refusal of orders

In 2011, Rynearson declined to fly a mission that targeted a U.S. citizen abroad. He stated that the order violated the Fifth Amendment right to due process. Following his refusal, his security clearance was suspended and he was reassigned. He was later reinstated and retired honorably in 2016.

Context

The mission is widely believed to have involved Anwar al‑Awlaki, a U.S. citizen killed in a drone strike in Yemen in 2011. Justice Department memoranda under President Barack Obama had authorized such strikes.

Later activities

After retirement, Rynearson became active in public debates on constitutional rights and civil liberties. He has also been involved in legal cases challenging government actions, including lawsuits related to free speech and cyberstalking laws.