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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told his staff to identify any employees who have mocked or celebrated Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s death.
“It is 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,” Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said.
“We are tracking all these very closely — and will address, immediately. Completely unacceptable,” Hegseth added.
We are tracking all these very closely — and will address, immediately. Completely unacceptable. https://t.co/9weALT5Pb7
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) September 11, 2025
NBC News has more:
Several service members have been relieved from their jobs because of such posts, the officials said, adding that Hegseth’s directive also pertains to others associated with the Defense Department. It’s unclear exactly how many people have been disciplined.
Hegseth and other senior Pentagon leaders posted messages on X this week calling on the public to report any posts that could be interpreted as negative about Kirk or unsympathetic about his murder.
Hegseth honored Kirk during a speech at the Pentagon.
“The life, example, and even death of Christ follower and American patriot Charlie Kirk give me hope. Sheer courage, no matter the arena,” Hegseth said.
“Charlie, we love you. We know that you have heard the Lord’s words: well done, good and faithful servant. Full heart, clear eyes,” he continued.
“Like those on 9/11, he will never be forgotten,” he added.
Check it out:
🚨 BEAUTIFUL: Secretary of War Hegseth honors Charlie Kirk during his speech at the Pentagon
“The life, example, and even death of Christ follower and American patriot Charlie Kirk give me hope. Sheer courage, no matter the arena.”
“Charlie, we love you. We know that you have… pic.twitter.com/tiCxPbmU1m
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 11, 2025
The Hill shared additional details:
Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in the neck at the campus of Utah Valley University on Wednesday. After a search, officials identified the suspected shooter as Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah man.
Both Republican and Democratic political figures — including all living former U.S. presidents — have condemned Kirk’s assassination, but a small number of social media users have mocked or celebrated the killing, drawing outrage.
The heads of military services also have warned those under them that any inappropriate comments on Kirk will be met with retribution. Navy Secretary John Phelan cautioned sailors, Marines and civilians they “will be dealt with swiftly and decisively” should they bring “discredit” on the department.
“I am aware of posts displaying contempt toward a fellow American who was assassinated,” he wrote on the social platform X late Thursday. “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 official X account for the U.S. Coast Guard, meanwhile, also said it “is aware of inappropriate personal social media activity made by a member regarding recent political violence,” though did not provide specifics.