Pete Hegseth reprimanded at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A US Army sentinel reprimanded Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his group near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day, after laughter and chatter were heard on widely circulated video.

“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!” the sentinel shouted near the tomb, after a ceremony that featured President Donald Trump.

CNN identified the group taking photos near the tomb with Hegseth as his wife Jennifer, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh.

Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told NBC News that Hegseth and the department “have always honored” the sacrifices of the military. Parnell said that “a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”

Democratic congresswoman Gwen Moore of Wisconsin criticised Hegseth on X, saying he had shown “contempt” for service members by disrespecting the tomb.