Explainer
Why did a sentinel's rebuke at the tomb become a political fight?
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At Arlington National Cemetery, Hegseth's party was filmed laughing and chatting as it walked away. The laugh that drew the rebuke came from a woman in the group who has not been identified. The sentinel shouted that visitors must keep silence and respect at all times.
Arlington
The Pentagon's chief spokesman, Sean Parnell, backed the sentinel. He said: While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.
“While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”
Democrats responded quickly. Congresswoman Gwen Moore of Wisconsin tied the reprimand to the impeachment push that failed the day before, led by Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky and backed by Democrats. She wrote: Pete Hegseth continues to demonstrate his utter lack of fitness for his office.
“Pete Hegseth continues to demonstrate his utter lack of fitness for his office.”
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The story
Army sentinel rebukes Pete Hegseth and aides for laughing at Arlington's Tomb of the Unknown SoldierRead the article
Based on reports by
- TheJournal.ieMilitary guard loudly reprimands Pete Hegseth and others for laughing near Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- RTE.ieHegseth, staff reprimanded by guard at US military tomb
- The New York TimesSoldier Shouts Toward Hegseth to Show 'Respect' at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Washington PostHegseth and his entourage scolded by military sentinel at Tomb of the Unknowns
- BBCWatch: Hegseth reprimanded by guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Il Sole 24 ORE“Chatter and laughter” at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Hegseth scolded by the guard