Guard reprimands Hegseth group at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

An Army guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier loudly reminded Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s group to remain quiet after laughter was heard near the memorial following a Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday.

“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the sentinel called out, according to video of the encounter. Hegseth looked back toward the guard and continued up the steps.

Hegseth was at Arlington National Cemetery with members of his staff. The Guardian reported that his wife, Jennifer, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh were among the group walking away after posing for photographs. The video captures a laugh, but does not establish who made it.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the guard had acted appropriately. “The secretary and the entire department have always honored – and will always honor – the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe,” he said. “While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance also attended the Veterans Day ceremony, where both laid wreaths at the memorial and delivered remarks afterward, The Guardian reported.

The tomb honors unidentified American service members. It contains the remains of an unknown soldier killed in World War I; Al Jazeera reported that it also marks the resting place of unidentified soldiers from later conflicts. Sentinels from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, watch over it around the clock.

Staff Sgt. Chadwick Winget, a relief commander, told an Army publication that sentinels address noisy crowds about two or three times a day, usually because visitors do not realize how loud they are. “It detracts from the other people that are trying to pay their respects,” he said.

Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger condemned the episode, calling it “truly abhorrent” and saying Hegseth’s behavior was unbecoming of a defense secretary. Speaking to CNN, Kinzinger praised the guard for enforcing the rules: “It’s very embarrassing for [Hegseth], and at the same time I’m very proud of the fact that our country held those rules, even in the face of the secretary of defense.”

The encounter came a day after House Republicans blocked an effort to impeach Hegseth. The Guardian reported that the House voted 211-204 to stop the effort, which alleged constitutional violations in his handling of the war in Iran and other conflicts. Al Jazeera reported that critics have also challenged strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. Hegseth remained in his post after the House action.