Overview
- The disruptions occurred during an AUSA panel on Project Agincourt that featured Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior service leaders and were handled by event security and the Metropolitan Police Department.
- At least five to six protesters interrupted Hegseth in the first half hour on Wednesday, Oct. 14, with security escorting each person from the ballroom as the panel continued.
- Demonstrators shouted accusations including “war criminal,” “Nazi” and “coward” while citing the Iran war and civilian suffering in Gaza, and some held signs reading “No War With Iran.”
- The Association of the United States Army issued a statement saying attendees agree to a code of conduct and thanking security for restoring order after the outbursts.
- The episode linked visible public opposition to U.S. war policy with scrutiny of the Pentagon’s autonomous-warfare agenda and its bid to justify major defense spending, a flashpoint likely to shape public debate and congressional scrutiny going forward.