Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly issued a sharp warning to military and civilian employees on Thursday, saying the Pentagon is “tracking” any comments celebrating or mocking the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“We are tracking all these very closely — and will address, immediately. Completely unacceptable,” Hegseth declared in a post on social media. His statement followed remarks from chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, who said it was “unacceptable for military personnel and Department of War civilians to celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American. The Department of War has zero tolerance for it.”
The Trump administration, which renamed the Pentagon the Department of War, has signaled that mocking political violence will not be tolerated under its watch.
Officials have not yet identified specific personnel who engaged in such conduct.
Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent voice for young conservatives, was fatally shot in the neck on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University. Authorities later named Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah man, as the suspected shooter.
The killing drew bipartisan condemnation from both Republican and Democratic leaders, with every living former president denouncing the assassination.
Still, a small number of social media users responded with contempt or mockery, sparking outrage and prompting the Pentagon’s response.
The heads of the armed services followed with warnings of their own. Navy Secretary John Phelan told sailors, Marines and civilian personnel that any behavior dishonoring the department would not be tolerated. “I am aware of posts displaying contempt toward a fellow American who was assassinated,” Phelan wrote on X. “I want to be very clear: any uniformed or civilian employee of the Department of the Navy who acts in a manner that brings discredit upon the Department, the [U.S. Navy] or the [Marine Corps] will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.”
The U.S. Coast Guard also confirmed it was investigating online behavior by one of its members. Its official X account noted that it “is aware of inappropriate personal social media activity made by a member regarding recent political violence.” The post added: “That social media activity is contrary to our core values. With the support of DHS, we are actively investigating this activity and will take appropriate action to hold the individual accountable. We recognize the harm such behavior can cause and remain steadfast in ensuring that the conduct of our personnel reflects the trust and responsibility placed in us by the American people.”
The administration’s warnings reflect the broader concern that political polarization is seeping into the ranks of those sworn to defend the country.
For Pentagon leaders, public displays of disdain for a slain American, particularly one targeted for his conservative views, cut against the military’s duty to remain professional, apolitical, and accountable to the citizens it serves.
Kirk’s death, a moment of national tragedy, has now also become a test of discipline within the armed forces — and a reminder that the Pentagon is watching closely.
[READ MORE: DeSantis and Trump Mourn Charlie Kirk After Fatal Shooting at Utah College Event]
