Pentagon Backs Soldier Who Called Out Hegseth’s Entourage

The Pentagon has defended an Army sentinel who called for silence after members of Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s entourage were heard laughing and talking at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The intervention followed a Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and reinforced expectations of decorum at the memorial.

The soldier, from the 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, told visitors to maintain “silence and respect”; Hegseth’s group then moved away from the steps. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the soldier had correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum. The incident came a day after House Republicans blocked a vote on an impeachment resolution against Hegseth over his role in the Iran war.