Summary
A sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier told a group near the tomb to maintain silence and show respect after laughter was heard. CNN footage showed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with the group, but it did not establish who laughed or whether Hegseth did.Key Facts
- The exchange occurred Wednesday afternoon on Veterans Day.
- CNN aired footage of the incident at about 2:20 p.m. ET.
- The footage showed a small group in dark suits climbing the Memorial Amphitheater steps near the tomb.
- A sentinel in dress blues walked his post while a wreath stood nearby.
- The sentinel warned the group to “maintain silence” and “pay respect.”
- The article said it was unclear who laughed and whether Hegseth was among those who did.
- Earlier that day, Hegseth joined President Donald Trump at a national wreath-laying ceremony.
- Newsweek said it had contacted the Pentagon for comment.
