Defense Secretary Hegseth reprimanded by guard at Arlington

Guard corrects group after photos

A soldier guarding the tomb issued a verbal reprimand to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his advisers following a Veterans Day ceremony. Jennifer Hegseth, Ricky Buria as chief of staff, Patrick Weaver in a deputy role, and Tami Radabaugh serving as senior adviser all joined the group to capture images while standing on the deserted steps. As they broke from posing, a loud laugh was heard by the sentinel standing watch at Arlington National Cemetery.

Sentinel demands silence and respect

The guard shouted that all visitors must maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times near the memorial. Hegseth looked over his shoulder toward the soldier while continuing to walk up the steps after the incident occurred. Relief commander Staff Sgt Chadwick Winget of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment said sentinels handle noisy crowds about two to three times daily on average.

Officials defend conduct and rules

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated the secretary and department always honor sacrifices made by military men and women to keep America safe. On X, former Republican lawmaker Adam Kinzinger stated that the event was deeply repugnant and declared Hegseth entirely unfit for the position. Kinzinger commended the sentinel guard for doing his duty despite the presence of the defense secretary at the sacred site.