US sentinel scolds Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's entourage at Arlington ceremony

A US Army sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery loudly rebuked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his group after laughter during a Veterans Day photo. The incident occurred a day after the House blocked an impeachment motion against Hegseth.

Embarrassment was recorded today (Wednesday) at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, when a US Army sentry loudly reprimanded a group that included US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his senior advisors. According to a video aired on CNN, some members of the group laughed and talked while posing for photos in front of the grave, after the Veterans Day ceremony. The video shows Hegseth, his wife Jennifer, and senior officials from his office posing in front of the grave. At one point, laughter was heard from the group, and the sentry stopped his march, turned toward them, and shouted: "All visitors must maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times." The group members looked away and continued up the stairs. The Pentagon did not respond to inquiries. The incident occurred less than a day after the motion to impeach Hegseth was blocked in the House, as the Republican majority voted to send it to the House Judiciary Committee, 211 to 204. The motion was filed by Republican Representative Thomas Massie and concerns the war in Iran, the attack on drug ships in South America, and more. Trump quickly celebrated what he called "an acquittal of a great American patriot," but on January 3 the House will pass to Democratic control, who supported the impeachment and are expected to renew the effort. In his speech at the ceremony, Trump noted Hegseth's presence in the audience, and those present responded with loud applause and cheers. "I had a feeling this would happen," the president said, adding: "He is doing a fantastic job, he loves you and protects you." Hegseth himself served as an infantry officer in the National Guard, in Guantanamo, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and was awarded the Bronze Star twice.