In a time when our nation is still mourning the brutal assassination of Charlie Kirk, a strong voice for liberty and truth, the Pentagon has made something very clear: there is no room in our military for those who would mock or celebrate the death of a fellow American. This is not just about one man. This is about the kind of country we want to be.
Charlie Kirk was more than a political voice. He was an American citizen who used his freedom of speech to defend the Constitution and speak boldly about his beliefs. Whether you agreed with him or not, his life had value. When that life was taken by an act of political violence, it crossed a line that no civilized society should tolerate.
Now, some individuals in the military—people who wear the uniform of the United States—have been caught making jokes or cruel remarks about his death. That is not only disgraceful. It is dangerous. And thankfully, our leaders in the War Department are standing up to say, “Enough.”
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, made it plain: there is “zero tolerance” for this kind of behavior. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth backed him up. These men understand that the military is not just a job—it is a sacred duty. When you wear that uniform, you represent the whole country, not just yourself. And mocking the assassination of an American citizen is a betrayal of that trust.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan also made it clear that anyone caught doing this will be “dealt with swiftly and decisively.” That is exactly what leadership looks like. The Navy and the Marine Corps have long traditions of honor. This kind of behavior brings shame to those uniforms, and it must be rooted out.
This is not about silencing free speech. It’s about maintaining the standards that keep our armed forces strong and united. We cannot have soldiers who celebrate political killings. That kind of thinking has no place in a constitutional republic.
Rep. Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, a retired Navy SEAL, also put it bluntly. If these leaders do not clean up their ranks, he will fight to remove them. And he is right. Being in the military is not a right—it’s a privilege. And that privilege comes with responsibility. When someone in uniform mocks the murder of a fellow citizen, they have shown they are unfit to serve.
The leaders of the Air Force and Army also responded forcefully. Secretary Troy Meink said such comments are “unacceptable and contrary to our core values.” Army Secretary Dan Driscoll put it even more clearly: “Posts that celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American are inconsistent with Army values. Full stop.”
Let’s be honest—this should not be a controversial stance. No matter your politics, celebrating murder is wrong. And when that happens in our military, it becomes a national security issue. A military divided by hate and politics cannot defend our country. We need unity, discipline, and moral strength in those who protect us.
Charlie Kirk stood for freedom and truth. He did not back down, even when the mob came for him. And now, President Trump is preparing to honor him with the Medal of Freedom. That is fitting. Because Charlie believed in America, even when it was dangerous to do so.
Now it’s time for our military leaders to show that same courage. They must make it clear that political violence, and the celebration of it, will not be accepted—not in our ranks, not in our country.
The Constitution gives every American the right to speak freely. But it also requires honor, duty, and respect—especially from those in uniform. Upholding those values is not just the right thing to do. It’s the only way we remain a free nation.
