Pete Hegseth criticized after sentinel rebukes group at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced widespread criticism Wednesday after an Army sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier loudly admonished his group for talking and laughing during a Veterans Day visit, with video showing the guard demanding silence and respect. The incident occurred after a solemn ceremony, when Hegseth and guests were posing for photos, prompting the sentinel to halt and issue the rebuke. It came less than 24 hours after Hegseth survived an impeachment attempt in the House, and he has not publicly addressed the event. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell defended the sentinel’s actions, praising the soldier for correctly maintaining decorum. Critics on social media condemned Hegseth’s party, calling the behavior shameful at one of the military’s most sacred sites.