The recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been met with a troubling response from some members of the U.S. military, leading to disciplinary actions and a wave of condemnation from military officials. The incident came to light when multiple soldiers were discovered posting disrespectful and mocking content about Kirk's death on social media.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth responded with a stern warning, stating, "We are tracking all these very closely—and will address, immediately. Completely unacceptable." This sentiment was echoed by Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell, who emphasized the intolerability of military personnel celebrating or mocking the assassination of a fellow American.
The backlash began with a report by Task & Purpose that a Marine was demoted and placed under investigation after a distasteful post surfaced. The Marine's social media comment, which included a "cheers" emoji alongside a reference to Kirk's assassination, prompted immediate action by Marine Corps leadership. Capt. Austin Gallegos, a spokesperson for the Marine Corps, confirmed that the Marine had been relieved of recruiting duties and was under investigation, underscoring that the post did not align with the Corps' core values.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan also issued a condemnation, stressing a zero-tolerance approach to behavior that discredits the Department of the Navy, the U.S. Navy, or the U.S. Marine Corps.
The controversy wasn't confined to the Marines. The U.S. Army also found itself embroiled when a female soldier's post, which sarcastically lamented the absence of Kirk's "incessant misogyny, racism, and hatefulness," went viral among conservative circles. The soldier later issued an apology, clarifying that her views were not representative of the Department of Defense (DOD) and expressing regret for how her words were received.
Despite the apology, conservative online communities continued to express outrage, demanding accountability for the soldiers' actions. The assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, at a Utah university has already sent shockwaves through conservative ranks, coming on the heels of a series of violent incidents targeting political figures. The situation has mobilized prominent MAGA figures, including Laura Loomer, a staunch ally of Kirk, who committed to personally pursuing those who celebrated his death.
Investigations are ongoing, and as more soldiers involved in the incident are identified, further actions are anticipated. Hegseth has promised swift action, and the Pentagon maintains a firm stance that anyone found mocking Kirk's assassination will face punishment.
The scandal highlights broader concerns regarding discipline within the military and the charged political climate following Kirk's murder. The unfolding events underscore the military's commitment to upholding its standards and values, particularly in times of political turbulence.
