Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has reportedly relieved several military service members who posted on social media about Charlie Kirk, according to a report.
Hegseth told staffers to hunt down and punish military members and anyone with ties to the Pentagon who appeared to mock or condone Kirk’s slaying, two defense officials told NBC News on Friday.
Several service members have been relieved so far, according to the report.
Right-wing stars and activists have actively targeted people who have mocked or expressed approval of Kirk's killing. Influential right-wing figures, including Laura Loomer and Libs of TikTok operator Chaya Raichik, have tried to expose people they see as celebrating his death. Their efforts have led to job losses, suspensions, investigations and threats of rape and death.
President Donald Trump has blamed the "radical left" for stoking political violence and threatened that his administration would take action against those who contribute to it.
The shooting has prompted a flood of threats from conservatives toward those on the left, including Twitch streamer and influencer Hasan Piker, who was scheduled to debate Kirk in a few weeks. Threats against Piker led him to pause his public events until the rhetoric calms.