Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said on 11/9 that there would be "zero tolerance" for military personnel and Department of War employees (another name for the U.S. Department of Defense) expressing joy or mockery over the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk.

"We are monitoring such comments very closely and will take immediate action. This is absolutely unacceptable," Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth posted on social media.

Neither Parnell nor Hegseth cited specific examples of individuals who reacted this way to Kirk's death.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on 11/9. Photo: AFP

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on 11/9. Photo: AFP

Kirk, 31, was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on the afternoon of 10/9. FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) agent Kash Patel said the suspect, Tyler Robinson, was arrested on the night of 11/9 in St. George, Utah, 33 hours after Kirk's assassination. Robinson's motive remains unclear, but he had previously described Kirk as "full of hate, spreading hate."

Politicians from both the Democratic and Republican parties, including former presidents, condemned the assassination. Meanwhile, some individuals sparked outrage by expressing joy or mockery on social media.

U.S. military leaders warned their subordinates that anyone making inappropriate comments about Kirk would face disciplinary action.

"I am aware of posts expressing contempt for an American who has been assassinated. I want to make it clear that any Navy military personnel or civilian employees will be swiftly and decisively punished for behavior that discredits the department," Secretary of the Navy John Phelan posted on X.

The U.S. Coast Guard also stated they were aware of a member's inappropriate social media activity regarding the recent political violence, but did not specify the case.

"Such actions go against our core values. With the support of the Department of Homeland Security, we are actively investigating and will take appropriate action to hold that individual accountable," the Coast Guard stated.

A U.S. Secret Service employee was immediately suspended after posting on social media celebrating Kirk's assassination and accusing him of spreading "hate and racism."

"The Secret Service will not tolerate behavior that violates our code of conduct. This employee will be investigated," a Secret Service spokesperson said on 12/9.

Kirk was an ally of President Donald Trump and had known many White House officials for nearly a decade, since Trump's first presidential campaign in 2016. Kirk contributed significantly to Trump's success in the 2024 campaign.

President Trump described Kirk as "a legend" and announced he would posthumously award him the Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor.

Huyen Le (According to The Hill, Fox News)