Defense officials warned that the Pentagon is tracking comments made by department employees and service members, warning them not to make comments making light of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
“It is unacceptable for military personnel and Department of War civilians to celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American,” Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Sean Parnell wrote on X. “The Department of War has zero tolerance for it.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to Parnell’s statement: “We are tracking all these very closely — and will address, immediately. Completely unacceptable.”
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink added that the Air Force is “aware of inappropriate comments concerning recent political violence. This behavior is unacceptable and contrary to our core values. Airmen and Guardians are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and conduct at all times.”
Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll similarly said, “Posts that celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American are inconsistent with Army values. Full stop.”
Navy Secretary John Phelan wrote, “I am aware of posts displaying contempt toward a fellow American who was assassinated. I want to be very clear: any uniformed or civilian employee of the Department of the Navy who acts in a manner that brings discredit upon the Department, the @USNavy or the @USMC will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.”
On Thursday, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau urged people to report foreign visa applicants if they were known to have made comments supporting or making light of the death of Charlie Kirk.
