Overview

• As of Sept. 30, the department counted 128 service members under investigation, with 26 receiving administrative reprimands and three facing nonjudicial punishment, and three in separation proceedings.
• The Pentagon says celebrating or mocking Kirk’s assassination is incompatible with service, a stance voiced by spokesman Sean Parnell and framed as conduct unbecoming.
• Investigations also encompass 158 non-uniformed personnel, including 27 civilians, with two civilian removals documented and most cases still under review.
• Former defense officials and Democratic lawmakers accuse Hegseth of politicizing discipline, while legal experts note UCMJ options exist but prosecutions for such speech are historically rare.
• The figures came from documents compiled at the request of Republican leaders on the House Armed Services Committee and disclosed in reporting based on records reviewed by The Washington Post.