At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where silence is a rule, a sentinel intervened on Wednesday afternoon. The incident involved a group with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during Veterans Day observances.
Laughter erupted from the group, prompting the guard to issue a warning. The sentinel instructed them to “maintain silence” and “pay respect.” CNN captured the incident, airing it shortly after 2:20 p.m. ET, labeled “Moments Ago.”
The broadcast showed individuals in dark suits ascending the marble steps of the Memorial Amphitheater by the tomb. A sentinel, dressed in formal blues and carrying a rifle, was present, with a wreath standing nearby.
It was not evident who among the group laughed or if Hegseth was involved in the laughter. The warning happened hours after Hegseth stood with President Donald Trump during the morning’s wreath-laying event, amidst Hegseth’s facing an impeachment push this week.
Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon for comments regarding the event. The request was sent on Wednesday afternoon.
For further information, Newsweek editors Gabe Whisnant and Dave Siminoff can be contacted regarding this story.
Building Collapse in Brooklyn Resulting in Fatalities and Injuries 
Tunnel to Towers Honoring Veterans: Paying Off Mortgages and Tackling Homelessness 
Army Sentinel Reprimands Hegseth’s Group at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 
The Changing Landscape of U.S. Military Service 
Honoring Veterans at Aurora’s Annual Parade 
Hump Day Highlights: Veterans Day Reflections and Sports Action