Guard rebukes Hegseth’s delegation at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

On Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery, a video surfaced showing US Army Sentinel Peter Hegseth rebuking his own delegation following laughter heard as they approached the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Hegseth, his wife, and senior aides were seen taking pictures and conversing on the memorial's steps after a Veterans Day event.

As soon as the laughter subsided, the sentinel approached the group and from a distance, shouted: "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times." The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located at the heart of Arlington National Cemetery, holds great significance for mourning and reflection on military service, with sentinels maintaining a 24-hour presence.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell addressed the incident, stating that the Secretary and the entire Department have always honored the sacrifices of military personnel. He emphasized that the video correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum. Hegseth, a former Army National Guard soldier who served in Iraq, had recently weathered a House of Representatives vote where a Republican lawmaker attempted to impeach him.

The vote was narrowly rejected. Hegseth had defended his record during a press conference, which included his support for the Iran war, strikes on drug vessels, and the firing of senior military officers. Democrats, who recently gained control of both chambers of Congress, have pledged to investigate Hegseth's stewardship of the US military, though they have not ruled out a second impeachment attempt.