Pete Hegseth was reprimanded by a guard after laughing and speaking loudly at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was reprimanded on Wednesday by a servicemember providing security at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery after allegedly violating the rules of decorum during a Veterans Day ceremony.

The incident occurred after the annual wreath-laying ceremony, attended by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several senior officials from the U.S. administration and military. Hegseth, his wife, Jennifer, and advisers Ricky Buria and Tami Radabaugh were filmed taking photographs in front of the monument. At one point, they laughed and spoke loudly.

“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!” the sentry shouted, one of the members of the elite unit that permanently guards the tomb. Hegseth allegedly gestured toward the servicemember before leaving the frame.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the incident and said that the soldier “correctly and respectfully” reminded everyone present to maintain decorum.

The episode comes at a difficult time for Hegseth, who has been at the center of several controversies since the beginning of his tenure. This week, U.S. lawmakers attempted to initiate proceedings to remove him, and the incident at Arlington could fuel criticism from political opponents and some former military leaders.