The incident sparked heavy criticism in the U.S. after video footage showed a guard at Arlington National Cemetery loudly warning Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense, and his entourage for laughing and talking loudly in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier while taking photos following the Veterans Day ceremony. Democrats condemned the behavior as inappropriate and disrespectful to the sacred military site.
A U.S. Army guard loudly admonished Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his group after observers noticed members laughing and talking near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on 11 November during Veterans Day.
Widely circulated video footage on television and social media shows Hegseth and his entourage standing on the steps in front of the memorial taking photos after the Veterans Day remembrance ceremony, which was attended by President Donald Trump.
Upon hearing laughter and talking, the patrolling guard stopped, turned toward the group, and shouted, "All visitors must maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!"
CNN reports the group included Hegseth, his wife Jennifer Riggieri, his chief of staff Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver, and senior advisor and deputy assistant secretary Tammi Radabaugh.
Sean Parnell, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, explained that the guard issued a proper and polite warning to uphold decorum at the site, affirming that Hegseth and the Department have always respected the sacrifices of American soldiers and will continue to do so.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most sacred military memorials in the U.S., serving as the burial site for unidentified soldiers who died in World War I, as well as those who died in World War II and the Korean War. It also contains empty graves honoring soldiers missing or killed in action during the Vietnam War.
The U.S. Army's 'The Old Guard' (3rd Infantry Regiment) has guarded the site continuously, 24 hours a day regardless of weather, since 1948.
The incident drew swift criticism from Democratic Party members. Gwen Moore, a representative from Wisconsin, posted on platform X that Hegseth has consistently demonstrated unsuitability for the role of Defense Secretary and a lack of respect for the sanctity of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Previously, Hegseth faced impeachment efforts after Republican Representative Thomas Massie filed articles of impeachment, accusing him of unlawful military orders including unauthorized war actions against Iran and ordering extrajudicial killings by the Department of Defense.
However, Republicans blocked the impeachment process during a vote on Tuesday, which Hegseth and his supporters regard as a political victory.
Former President Trump continued to support Hegseth before the vote and vowed ongoing support, despite himself having faced criticism for his conduct at Arlington National Cemetery in 2024 after filming a campaign video at the site.