A US Army sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier appeared to rebuke Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's delegation on Wednesday (November 11) after laughter could be heard as they climbed the steps of the solemn site, according to a video of the incident.

Hegseth, his wife and senior aides could be seen taking pictures and speaking to each other on the steps of the memorial at Arlington National Cemetery following a Veterans Day event.

Immediately after the laughter, the sentinel moved toward the group and, from a distance, shouted toward them: "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times."

Sitting at the heart of Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred site and the grave of three unknown American service members, including one from World War One. It is widely known as a place for mourning and for reflection on military service, and sentinels guard the site 24 hours a day.

Asked about the incident, which was first reported by CNN, chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement: "The Secretary and the entire Department have always honored —and will always honor — the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe."

"While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum," Parnell said.

Hegseth, a former Army National Guard soldier who served in Iraq, prevailed this week after the House of Representatives rejected a Republican lawmaker's effort to impeach him.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES (NOVEMBER 11, 2026) (US NETWORK POOL - Broadcast: No use USA Digital: No use USA)

1. BACK VIEW OF U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH, HIS WIFE JENNIFER RAUCHET HEGSETH AND SENIOR AIDES POSING FOR PHOTO

2. HEGSETH AND GROUP WALKING UP STEPS AWAY FROM THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

3. US ARMY SENTINEL GUARDING THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLIDER SHOUTING: "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times."

4. HEGSETH AND GROUP WALKING AROUND SIDE OF BUILDING

5. US ARMY SENTINEL