Military warns service members not to 'mock' or 'celebrate' Charlie Kirk assassination

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and several military secretaries on Thursday night warned service members against posting anything that mocks or celebrates the assassination of another American, and promised retribution for those who do.

The warning comes after conservative commentator and activist Charlie Kirk died Wednesday after being shot in the neck at an event in Utah. He died at the hospital.

Kirk was one of the most influential voices on the right in recent years, notably founding Turning Point USA chapters at universities across the country and hosting speakers' summits for young conservatives.

Hegseth stated in a post on X that the Pentagon was "tracking" comments from military service members and defense civilians who post celebratory things about Kirk's death, after Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell warned that the behavior would not be tolerated. 

"It is unacceptable for military personnel and Department of War civilians to celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American," Parnell wrote on X. "The Department of War has zero tolerance for it."

Navy Secretary John Phelan, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, and the Coast Guard have also warned they are aware of "inappropriate comments concerning recent political violence," and such comments are counter to core American values.

"Airmen and Guardians are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and conduct at all times," Meink wrote on X..

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.