Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed his staff to investigate employees who mocked or celebrated the death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, calling such behavior “unacceptable” and emphasizing zero tolerance for disrespect toward a fellow American. Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell stated the Department of War would address violations “immediately.”

Several service members have been removed from their roles over posts related to Kirk’s assassination, though officials did not specify the number of disciplinary actions taken. Hegseth’s directive extended to individuals associated with the Defense Department. He and other senior leaders urged the public to report social media content perceived as critical of Kirk or unsympathetic to his murder.

Hegseth honored Kirk during a Pentagon speech, praising his “sheer courage” and stating, “Charlie, we love you. We know that you have heard the Lord’s words: well done, good and faithful servant.” He compared Kirk to those who perished on 9/11, declaring he would “never be forgotten.”

Navy Secretary John Phelan warned personnel they would face “swiftly and decisively” consequences for comments deemed disrespectful to the department. The U.S. Coast Guard also acknowledged “inappropriate personal social media activity” by a member regarding recent political violence but provided no details.

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