Pentagon Backs Soldier Who Called Out Hegseth’s Entourage

The Pentagon is backing up an Army sentinel who demanded silence and respect from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s entourage during a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The soldier reprimanded members of Hegseth’s group after laughter and chatter disrupted the solemn atmosphere at Arlington National Cemetery during a Veterans Day ceremony. Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell defended the soldier’s intervention, reiterating that all visitors are expected to maintain silence and show respect at the memorial, Stars and Stripes reported late Wednesday.

Videos of Hegseth, his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, advisors Ricky Buria and Tami Radabaugh, and others posing on the steps overlooking the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the national cemetery. The group could be heard laughing and conversing, according to Stars and Stripes.

A member of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, then intervened.

“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!” he shouted towards the group, per the outlet. The Old Guard is responsible for standing watch at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Hegseth’s group then moved away from the steps, Stars and Stripes reported.

Parnell circulated a statement to multiple news outlets, validating the soldier’s actions.

“While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” the statement said, according to Stars and Stripes.”

This incident occurred immediately following the Veterans Day wreath laying ceremony.