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The Pentagon has investigated nearly 300 Department of War employees, including service members, for online comments after last month’s murder of Charlie Kirk.
According to The Washington Post, “As of Sept. 30, 128 service members have been investigated following Kirk’s death, and most of those cases are still under review, according to documents reviewed by The Post. Of those, 26 have received administrative reprimands — an adverse mark that can hinder future assignments or promotions. Three have received ‘nonjudicial punishment,’ which can lead to a reduction in rank or other disciplinary action, and three others are in the process of either being kicked out or leaving the military, the documents show.”
A further 158 non-uniform personnel have been investigated as of 30 September, including 27 civilians. Two have had their employment terminated.
A total of 158 non-uniformed personnel have been investigated as of Sept. 30, including 27 War Department civilians, according to the documents viewed by The Post. Two have been “removed from employment.” The status of the remaining civilians or contractors was not immediately clear.
A day after Charlie Kirk’s murder, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that his department would investigate all reports of employees celebrating the murder.
“We are tracking all these very closely — and will address, immediately,” Hegseth posted on X.
“Completely unacceptable.”
His comments were echoed by Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell a few days later, who described negative posts about Kirk by defense personnel as “a violation of the oath.”
“It’s a violation of the oath, it’s conduct unbecoming, it’s a betrayal of the Americans they’ve sworn to protect & dangerously incompatible with military service,” Parnell wrote on X.
In a to The Washington Post, he emphasized the point, Parnell added, “Those in our ranks who rejoice at an act of domestic terrorism are unfit to serve the American people.”
In general, prosecution for speech that is normal for civilians is extremely rare. Under Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, service members can be prosecuted for “contemptuous words” against their military and civilian leaders, as well as elected officials. The Article does not extend to public figures, however.
Other statutes, such as Articles 133 and 134, can be used to prosecute unbecoming conduct and conduct prejudicial to good order.
Air Force members were reminded of the existence of these statutes in a memo that was circulated after Charlie Kirk’s murder.
Last week, Infowars reported that dozens of teachers in California were being investigated for negative comments about the murder.
Teachers in other states have also been placed on leave, fired or put under investigation.
In Texas, it’s estimated as many as 280 teachers are currently being investigated for posts about Kirk’s murder.
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