The military is under fire after multiple soldiers were caught mocking the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk online.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made it clear the behavior will not be tolerated.
“We are tracking all these very closely—and will address, immediately,” Hegseth said. “Completely unacceptable.”
His statement echoed Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell, who said it was “intolerable” for military personnel to “celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American.”
Task & Purpose reported that a Marine had already been demoted and placed under investigation after posting about Kirk’s death.
“Another racist man popped,” the Marine wrote, adding a “cheers” emoji with two beer mugs.
Capt. Austin Gallegos, a Marine Corps spokesperson, confirmed the matter was being handled at the leadership level, per the Daily Mail.
“The Marine leadership was made aware of a social media post last night that does not align with our core values,” Gallegos said.
Gallegos added that the Marine had been relieved of his recruiting duties and was under investigation.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan also condemned the conduct.
“I am aware of posts displaying contempt toward a fellow American who was assassinated,” Phelan said. “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.”
The controversy spread beyond the Marines.
A female soldier in the U.S. Army faced backlash after she made light of Kirk’s death on social media.
“Oh no. Whatever shall we do without his incessant misogyny, racism and hatefulness …” she wrote.
Her comments were widely circulated by conservatives, forcing her to issue an apology.
“I apologize that so many of you misconstrued my statement as a call to violence or as a representation of the DOD,” she wrote later. “These views are not representative of the DOD. These views just what supply we are losing with the passing of the Conservative Charlie Kirk.”
Her apology did not stop the outrage.
Conservatives online blasted the soldiers for mocking Kirk’s assassination and demanded accountability.
Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot dead at a Utah university, a killing that has already shaken conservatives across the country.
The assassination follows a string of violent incidents targeting political figures, including the murder of a Democratic Minnesota lawmaker and the shooting of another.
Prominent MAGA figures are now mobilizing.
Laura Loomer, one of Kirk’s strongest allies, said she was personally going after those celebrating his death.
“I have become the official HR Karen. I’ve been speaking to the manager all day long. I feel good about it,” Loomer wrote.
The fallout is expected to continue as investigations play out and more soldiers are identified.
Hegseth has promised swift action, and the Pentagon insists anyone mocking Kirk’s assassination will be punished.
The scandal has already raised questions about discipline inside the military and the political climate surrounding Kirk’s murder.
