Army Sentinel Calls for Silence Near Hegseth Group at Tomb

An Army sentinel called for silence and respect near Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s group at Arlington National Cemetery after laughter was heard as the visitors left the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier following a Veterans Day ceremony. The Pentagon said the soldier’s reminder was appropriate. Video of the encounter does not identify who laughed or establish that Hegseth himself made noise or was singled out.

Footage shows Hegseth, his wife, Jennifer, and aides posing for photographs near the tomb. As the group began moving away, laughter was audible and the sentinel called out, “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.” The video records the warning but does not establish who in the group laughed. Accounts also differ in how they characterize the group’s conversation; the footage and the Pentagon’s response do not establish that Hegseth personally was the source of the noise.

Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, said the soldier “correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.” Parnell also said Hegseth and the department honor the sacrifices of U.S. service members. The department’s statement defended the...