Protesters Interrupt Hegseth’s Autonomous Warfare Panel

Antiwar demonstrators repeatedly interrupted Pete Hegseth during an October 14 panel on autonomous warfare at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting in Washington, and event security removed them from the room. The panel continued despite the disruptions. At least five interruptions occurred during the first half-hour, according to reports, while footage and other accounts show several protesters shouting during the session. Six demonstrators were reported overall. Counts refer to different time periods and scopes. Protesters called Hegseth a war criminal and a coward, and voiced opposition to the war with Iran and the deaths of civilians in Gaza and Palestine. Their accusations were shouted slogans; the reports do not independently establish the claims behind them. Security escorted protesters out one by one. At least one woman was carried from the hall while continuing to shout, according to accounts of the event. Some audience members responded with chants of “USA.” The panelists continued speaking, at times over the interruptions. Hegseth initially responded to some outbursts with laughter and sarcastic remarks.