A sentinel reprimanded Pete Hegseth’s group at Arlington on Veterans Day. The Pentagon said the soldier was correct.
ARLINGTON, Va. — A soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier verbally reprimanded advisers and staff of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday after a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Video shows Hegseth taking photographs on the empty steps in front of the tomb with his wife, Jennifer, and three aides. When the group broke from the photos, a loud laugh could be heard, and the sentinel called out that all visitors must keep an atmosphere of silence and respect.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum. He added that Hegseth and the department will always honor the sacrifices of service members. The group was there for a ceremony also attended by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The incident came a day after Hegseth survived an effort in the House to impeach him. The push was led by Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and backed by Democrats. Hegseth rejected it at a news conference Tuesday, saying his critics were not acting out of patriotism.
This report draws on Associated Press coverage as published by WJLA, with additional details from NBC Washington and Scripps News.