The Pentagon isn’t staying silent after reports surfaced of military personnel and civilian employees mocking the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, a man who doesn’t exactly mince words, made it clear Thursday night: anyone celebrating the killing of an American patriot will be “tracked” and dealt with — immediately. Finally, some accountability in the ranks.
Responding to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, who earlier called such behavior “unacceptable,” Hegseth doubled down, posting: “We are tracking all these very closely — and will address, immediately. Completely unacceptable.” Translation? Don’t test us.
Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was assassinated Wednesday during one of his signature “Prove Me Wrong” events at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Shot in the neck by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, Kirk’s murder has sparked grief, outrage, and — disturbingly — celebration in some corners of social media. Apparently, for some Americans, keyboard courage now includes cheering the death of someone who dared to fight for faith and freedom. Classy, right?
While it’s still unclear how many, if any, Pentagon employees are guilty of this disgraceful behavior, Hegseth isn’t the only one sending a warning. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan reminded his sailors and Marines that “any uniformed or civilian employee… who acts in a manner that brings discredit upon the Department… will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.” In other words, keep your memes to yourself if they spit on the very freedoms you swore to defend.
Even the Coast Guard weighed in, saying it was investigating “inappropriate” social media posts by a member regarding political violence. Their statement was blunt: this behavior is “contrary to our core values.” And they’re right. Because if the people tasked with defending America can’t distinguish between free speech and disgrace, maybe it’s time for a refresher course in patriotism.
Look, political disagreements are one thing — but mocking the murder of a husband, father, and American patriot? That’s beyond the pale. Kirk’s message was about dialogue, not division. Those who wear the uniform, or serve under the Pentagon’s banner, should be held to that higher standard. And thanks to leaders like Hegseth, Parnell, and Phelan, it looks like they will be.
Because in the end, America doesn’t need soldiers who cheer when a patriot falls. We need soldiers who understand what Charlie Kirk died fighting for: truth, faith, family, and freedom. And those values? They’re non-negotiable.
