Public comments from military personnel mocking the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk are being investigated and will lead to disciplinary action, senior U.S. military officials said.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said it was unacceptable for service members or civilians working for the Defense Department to cheer the assassination of a fellow American.
“The Department of War has zero tolerance for it,” Mr. Parnell posted Thursday on social media platform X.
President Trump signed an executive order changing the name of the Defense Department to War Department and authorizing its top civilian leader to be referred to as the Secretary of War. However, the move wouldn’t be official until it’s approved by Congress.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared his spokesman’s post on X and called any anti-Kirk comments from military and civilian personnel “completely unacceptable.”
“We are tracking all these very closely — and will address immediately,” Mr. Hegseth wrote.
SEE ALSO: ‘We got him’: Authorities arrest Charlie Kirk assassin suspect Tyler Robinson
The Pentagon’s military service chiefs also weighed in, with Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll saying on X that such comments are “inconsistent with Army values. Full stop.”
Air Force officials said they’re aware of “inappropriate comments concerning recent political violence.”
“This behavior is unacceptable and contrary to our core values,” Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said on X. “Airmen and Guardians are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and conduct at all times.”
Navy Secretary John C. Phelan was aware of the social media posts mocking the death of Mr. Kirk, who was shot Wednesday while hosting an event at Utah Valley University in Orem. The suspected assailant was taken into custody and identified by police as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson of Utah.
“I want to be very clear,” Mr. Phelan posted on X. “Any uniformed or civilian employee of the Department of the Navy who acts in a manner that brings discredit upon the department, the U.S. Navy or the [U.S. Marine Corps] will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.”
