Protesters heckle War Secretary Hegseth at Army conference

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 18:39 · Archive

Protesters disrupted Pete Hegseth's appearance at an Army conference, shouting anti-war slogans and insults.

Multiple protesters interrupted War Secretary Pete Hegseth's headline appearance at the Army's annual conference in Washington, DC on Wednesday. At least five times during the first half hour of a panel, protesters shouted anti-war slogans, calling Hegseth a 'war criminal', a 'coward' and a 'Nazi'. One protester referenced Gaza, saying 'Children in Gaza are starving'. The demonstrators appeared to be coordinated, waiting minutes between outbursts to interrupt the proceedings.

Hegseth initially responded with sarcasm and chuckles to the interruptions. As the pattern of protests continued, his reactions became 'increasingly short and irritated'. When one protester shouted, Hegseth responded with a quip: 'She thinks highly of me', which drew brief applause from the crowd. He acknowledged the apparent coordination, saying 'Appears we have a bit of a tactic'.

Security forcibly removed the protesters from the event. One woman was carried out by multiple officers while continuing to protest. The Association of the US Army issued a statement defending the removals, saying protesters had agreed to abide by a code of conduct upon registration. The organisation acknowledged the 'First Amendment right to protest is fundamental' but stated the outbursts were 'not appropriate' for the forum.

How it is being reported

• Pete Hegseth cheekily responds to anti-Iran war protesters who heckled him at Army conferenceAt least five times in the first half hour of a panel, foul-mouthed anti-war protesters shouted at Hegseth, calling him a "f--king Nazi" among other insults.New York Post · 14 Oct, 18:28
• Embattled War Secretary Pete Hegseth viciously interrupted with shouts of 'Nazi' during Army eventMultiple protesters erupted in shouts decrying Secretary of War Pete Hegseth as a 'war criminal' and a 'Nazi' at a military conference on Wednesday.Daily Mail · 14 Oct, 17:51

In this story: Pete Hegseth · Association of the US Army · Washington, DC · Gaza · Iran

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