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Those who refute Charlie Kirk’s murder of harmless freedom of speech may have forgotten that the Pentagon crackdown on extremism began in 2021 following the Capitol riot on January 6.
That year, The defense department at that timeThe War Department under the Trump administration was renamed to the War Department, rewrites its criteria for “extremism” within that stage, making it clear that even if you like or repost something, it may prompt discipline. At that time, the initiative was mainly aimed at right-wing extremism.
Now, Pentagon leaders are searching for social media again – this time suspending officers who seem to be happy about the political assassination that shocked the country in the past six days.
“It is unacceptable for military personnel and civilians to celebrate or ridicule the assassination of a fellow American compatriot. The Department of War has zero tolerance for this,” Sean Parnell, chief Pentagon spokesman and senior adviser, announced in a family. postal On X.
Pentagon leaders are once again searching for social media – this time suspending officers who seem to be happy about the political assassination that has shaken the country in the past few days. (iStock)
Former Army Ranger Rep. D-Colo. Rep. Jason Crow.
In 2021, several service members involved Congress secretary Lloyd Austin’s orders to “stand” within the department and created a working group against extremist activities. Its recommendations led to changes in the Department of War Code (DODI 1325.06), which formally defines “extremist activities” such as advocating violence, terrorism or overthrowing the U.S. government.
The Pentagon is cracking down on service members who mock or celebrate the death of Charlie Kirk. (David Ryder/Reuters)
The Pentagon made it clear for the first time that social media activities, including likes or sharing, can be seen as endorsement of extremism and discipline. The regulations also standardize recruitment screening issues regarding extremist relations and send new warnings to leave service personnel to understand the risks of extremist recruitment.
By the end of 2021, there will be less than 100 service members who violate the new standards.
In 2021, several service members involved Congress secretary Lloyd Austin’s orders to “stand” within the department and created a working group against extremist activities. (Evelyn Hawkstan/Reuters)
The June 2025 update left most rules intact, reiterating that if it implies approval, it could be punished to like or share extremist content. But this does make a significant change: removing “gender identity” from the list of protected categories from the section prohibiting advocating for widespread illegal discrimination. The 2021 version prohibits discrimination based on “gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or sexual orientation.”
Other agencies are taking more aggressive steps. The State Department announced that it would revoke visas for foreigners celebrating Kirk’s death, and Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Justice Department would file a lawsuit against those engaged in hate speech.
Jay Leno says Charlie Kirk assassination of ‘death of freedom of speech’
Critics warn that shooting and suspension waves from the Pentagon, other federal agencies and even private businesses have the potential to surpass calls for violence, punishing those who criticize Kirk only or fail to publicly mourn him.
Former Army Ranger Rep. D-Colo. Rep. Jason Crow. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images)
“Government employees, including military personnel, will not waive their First Amendment rights when taking over this job,” Aaron Terr, Fire’s director of public advocacy, told Fox News Digital. “The military does have room for discipline on words, which directly undermines discipline or chain of command, but simply expresses what someone thinks is ugly or wrong does not meet that standard.”
Another First Amendment lawyer noted that in some cases, service members may be stronger than private sector employees who can be fired “at will”.
“Usually, the way the government employer [free speech arguments] Statements that say the government has the right to protect itself from negative impacts or poses a security issue,” said California attorney Jeff Lewis.
“So, while public employees have stronger First Amendment protection than private sector employees, the government, as an employer, will often win when the right to freedom of speech violates its ability to hire and fire.”
Army Colonel Scott Stephens was suspended after allegedly belonged to his post praising the murder.
“die Charlie Kirk It is miserable in Utah. But we can feel comforted that Charlie does his favorite thing on the university campus.
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Another Army Reserve officer was suspended over the weekend.
An article allegedly belonging to Major Brian Bintrif, “Dead today.” He had met on social media on “Brian Harlow.” “It’s a sad Charlie’s child was traumatized throughout his life, but it’s not a sad thing to die.”
