Army Guard Reprimands Hegseth’s Group at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

An Army sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier interrupted his patrol on Wednesday to address a group that included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, after some in the party were heard laughing and talking near the memorial, CNN reported.

The exchange came at Arlington National Cemetery after a Veterans Day wreath-laying and remarks also attended by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the soldier called out, stopping to face the group as they left, according to the network.

It was not clear from the footage, first aired by CNN and circulated by Clash Report, who in the group had laughed, or whether Hegseth himself had joined in.

Photos After the Ceremony

CNN said Hegseth had been standing and taking photographs in front of the tomb with his wife, Jennifer, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver, and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh. Some in the group were laughing and chatting after the pictures were taken, prompting the soldier on patrol to intervene.

During remarks at the same ceremony, Trump singled out Hegseth to applause, saying he had “done a fantastic job,” The Hill reported.

Silence at the Tomb

The memorial is among the most tightly controlled sites in the United States, marking the grave of an unidentified American killed in World War I. A soldier from the 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, has stood watch there around the clock, in all weather, since 1948.

Decorum at the tomb is enforced continuously. The sentinel’s warning, delivered in the formal language used with visitors, was aimed at the group Hegseth was with rather than at any one person named in the broadcast.

Pentagon Comments on Decorum

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the “soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.” He added that the secretary and the department “have always honored—and will always honor—the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe.”

The Pentagon did not immediately identify who had been talking or laughing, and it was not clear whether anyone would face further action.

The visit came a day after House Republicans blocked articles of impeachment against Hegseth in a 211-204 committee vote. Trump had stood by the defense secretary ahead of that vote.