VT. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked his staff to identify any military members who mocked or condoned the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk so they can be punished, two defense officials told NBC News.

Washington has had its fair share of tense weeks, but few moments have made the atmosphere at the Pentagon as tense and heated as this one. Just months after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk swept across the country, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued an internal order that sent shockwaves through the military.

According to two defense officials who spoke to NBC News, Hegseth asked his team of advisers to identify any service member who mocked, cheered, or otherwise expressed sympathy for Kirk’s death. The reason wasn’t just discipline—it was the honor of the U.S. military, he said.

“I want to know who they are,” Hegseth said in a closed-door meeting. “Any member of the U.S. military who would mock the death of an American citizen—especially in an assassination—has no place in this service.”

His words were described as “cold as steel,” and those present said the room fell into absolute silence.

A task force was soon formed to scrutinize social media, internal messages, and the reactions of service members on public platforms. They looked for every sign: from a sarcastic comment in a group chat to a smiley emoji on a post. Everything was taken into account.

Many generals said Hegseth’s response was extremely strong—but not unexpected. Charlie Kirk’s death had ignited a political storm, sharply polarizing groups in American society. In that context, any lack of control from the military could be seen as “moral degradation” or “loss of neutrality.”

A defense official said:
“The military doesn’t take sides. But this isn’t about politics – this is about basic humanity. Secretary Hegseth doesn’t tolerate service members laughing at the death of an American, no matter who it is.”

The news immediately sent shockwaves through Washington. Some conservative groups praised Hegseth’s move, calling it a defense of military ethics and discipline. But critics said the investigation could be misused, turning it into a tool to punish those with different views.

On social media, the question was asked repeatedly:
“If service members can’t respond – even in their personal space – where is their freedom of speech?”
Hegseth’s supporters responded:
“Freedom of speech doesn’t mean celebrating the death of others.”

Inside the Pentagon, the atmosphere was tense. The list of service members under review grows by the hour, and no one knows how severe the punishments will be. But Hegseth, officials say, is unfazed.

“The military must maintain its dignity. And I will defend it to the end,” he declared.

This saga is certainly not over. The internal investigation could spread further, impacting hundreds of people and even sparking the biggest debate over military discipline in years.

While America is still reeling from the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the Pentagon is bracing for a second storm—one from within.