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Pentagon speech crackdown on anti-Kirk posts echoes 2021 drive against right-wing extremism
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Those who dismiss celebrations of Charlie Kirk’s murder as harmless free speech may have forgotten that the Pentagon’s crackdown on extremism began in 2021 after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
That year, the then-Defense Department, which was renamed the Department of War under the Trump administration, rewrote its standards for «extremism» within the ranks, making clear that even liking or retweeting certain content could prompt discipline. At the time, the initiative largely targeted right-wing extremism.
Now, Pentagon leaders are once again scouring social media — this time suspending officers who appear to cheer on the political assassination that has shaken the country over the past six days.
«It is unacceptable for military personnel and Department of War civilians to celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American. The Department of War has zero tolerance for it,» Sean Parnell, chief Pentagon spokesman and senior advisor, declared in a post on X.
Pentagon leaders are once again scouring social media — this time suspending officers who appear to cheer on the political assassination that has shaken the country over the past several days. (istock)
«Hunting down and prosecuting service members for their individual political beliefs is dangerous and un-American,» Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a former Army Ranger, warned on X in response to the directive.
In 2021, after several service members were implicated in the Capitol riot, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a department-wide «stand-down» and created a Countering Extremist Activity Working Group. Its recommendations led to changes in the War Department’s code (DoDI 1325.06), which formally defined «extremist activities,» such as advocating violence, terrorism or the overthrow of the U.S. government.
Pentagon is cracking down on service members who mock or celebrate Charlie Kirk death. (David Ryder/Reuters)
PENTAGON CALLS CHARLIE KIRK POSTS ‘DOMESTIC TERRORISM’; DEM WARNS DISCIPLINE IS ‘UN-AMERICAN’
For the first time, the Pentagon explicitly stated that social media activity — including likes or shares — could be treated as an endorsement of extremism and grounds for discipline. The code also standardized recruit screening questions on extremist ties and issued new warnings to departing service members about the risks of extremist recruitment.
By the end of 2021, fewer than 100 service members had been found in violation of the new standards.
In 2021, after several service members were implicated in the Capitol riot, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a department-wide «stand-down» and created a Countering Extremist Activity Working Group. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)
A June 2025 update left most of those rules intact, reaffirming that liking or sharing extremist content could be punished if it implied endorsement. But it did make one notable change: removing «gender identity» from a list of protected categories in the section banning advocacy of widespread unlawful discrimination. The 2021 version had barred discrimination based on «sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, or sexual orientation.»
Other agencies are taking even more aggressive steps. The State Department has announced it will revoke visas of foreigners who celebrate Kirk’s death, while Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Justice Department will pursue cases against those engaged in hate speech.
JAY LENO CALLS CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION THE ‘DEATH OF FREE SPEECH’
Critics warn that the wave of firings and suspensions — across the Pentagon, other federal agencies and even private industry — risks going beyond curbing calls for violence to punishing those who merely criticize Kirk or fail to publicly mourn him.
«Hunting down and prosecuting service members for their individual political beliefs is dangerous and un-American,» Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a former Army Ranger, warned on X in response to the directive. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
«Government employees, including military personnel, don’t give up their First Amendment rights when they take the job,» Aaron Terr, FIRE’s director of public advocacy, told Fox News Digital. «The military does have leeway to impose discipline for speech that directly undermines discipline or the chain of command, but simply expressing an opinion that others consider ugly or wrongheaded doesn’t meet that standard.»
Another First Amendment lawyer noted that in some instances, service members may enjoy stronger speech protections than private-sector employees, who can be fired «at will.»
«Usually, the way a government employer gets around [free speech arguments] is to say the government has the right to protect itself from statements that cast the institution in a negative light or pose a security issue,» said Jeff Lewis, a California-based attorney.
«So, although public employees have stronger First Amendment protections than private-sector employees, the government as an employer usually wins when free speech rights come up against its ability to hire and fire.»
Already, Army Col. Scott Stephens was suspended following posts purportedly belonging to him that praised the killing.
«The death of Charlie Kirk in Utah was tragic. However, we can take comfort in the fact that Charlie was doing what he loved best — spreading hate, racism, homophobia, misogyny and transphobia on college campuses,» one post read.
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Another Army Reserve officer was suspended over the weekend.
«A monster died today,» read one post allegedly belonging to Maj. Bryan Bintliff, who went by «Bryan Harlow» on social media. «It’s sad Charlie’s kids are traumatized for life, but it’s not a sad thing that he’s dead.»
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Held at gunpoint at 9, Iranian refugee turned pastor now prays for Iran’s hour of freedom
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An Iranian refugee held at gunpoint at school before fleeing Iran during the 1979 revolution is calling for hope, democracy and prayers for his homeland as the U.S. joins Israel in targeting Iran’s ruling clerical regime.
David Nasser, now an American pastor, spoke to Fox News Digital six days after Operation Epic Fury was launched in Iran, which reignited haunting memories for him and of the time when he was 9 years old.
«As a child, my family and I were forced to escape Iran and run for our lives,» Nasser, President and CEO of David Nasser Outreach recalled.
«We found safe harbor as refugees granted political asylum here in the United States,» Nasser said, describing how his father had been a high-ranking officer in Iran’s military, meaning «his family became targets as the government collapsed.»
«One of my most vivid memories of realizing that nothing was ever going to be the same again was at a school assembly on a military base — a soldier called out three names and mine was called first,» he said.
David Nasser fled Iran when he was 9 years old during the 1979 revolution. (David Nasser)
«When I got to the front, the soldier dropped a piece of paper, took a gun out of his holster and put it to my head and quoted the Quran. He told me that he was sent to make an example out of me,» Nasser added.
The principal intervened, but the message he relayed was unmistakable. Nasser recalled.
«They’re killing everybody who’s anybody. They’re trying to make an example out of people like our family, and they’re using fear,» he remembered hearing at the time.
«That’s one of my first memories of the revolution, but really just being completely scared for my life.»
Soon after, Nasser’s family devised an escape plan. They would pretend Nasser’s mother needed emergency heart surgery in Switzerland and buy round-trip tickets to avoid raising suspicion.
«We bought round-trip airline tickets like we were going and coming back, but we weren’t coming back. We were running for our lives,» he said.
KHAMENEI IS DEAD — AND IRANIANS DARE TO HOPE FOR FREEDOM AGAIN AFTER DECADES OF TYRANNY
David Nasser recalled a school assembly on a military base when a soldier called out his name and put a gun to his head. (David Nasser)
At the airport, Nasser remembers gripping his father’s hand tightly and hearing words he will never forget.
«‘If they find out we’re escaping, they’re going to kill us right here on the spot,’ my father said as his hands shook, holding mine. The last time I was in Iran, I was a 9-year-old little boy running for my life,» he said.
Now, watching events unfold in Iran from the safety of the U.S., Nasser said his heart remains with millions of desperate Iranians facing uncertainty.
«We see them — I see them, I hear them. My heart is beating really fast for them right now with hope and with prayers for their protection and their provision,» Nasser said.
«Protection. I’m praying for protection for them. I want to be a part of the provision for them. If Iran transitions from a theocracy to a democracy, I want to help rebuild.»
ISRAEL HAMMERS IRANIAN INTERNAL SECURITY COMMAND CENTERS TO OPEN DOOR TO UPRISING
Pastor David Nasser fled Iran as a child and urges hope during the U.S. military campaign in Iran. (David Nasser)
«If this moment actually comes, and they go from a theocracy to a democracy, I want to be a part of the solution — for that 9-year-old little boy that I once was. I want to do this for him.»
Beyond political change, Nasser, who is also teaching pastor at New Vision Baptist Church, said he takes solace in what he describes as spiritual transformation already underway, calling it «the fastest-growing church in the world right now or the underground church in Iran.»
«We know there’s at minimum 4 million, at maximum 8 million Christians right now in Iran,» he said.
«In Iran, if you convert from Islam to Christianity, that can be a death sentence. If they come into your home, and you’re gathering for Christian worship, they will take your home title, you will lose your home.
«They’re in prison. They’re being tortured. They’re being ridiculed. They’re being mocked.
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«Above all, I came to America, and it was a land of opportunity. And I was given the gift of democracy. So, I would love to see democracy in Iran, where all the boys and girls are afforded what I was afforded when I managed to escape.»
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Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, will not seek reelection, opting to leave the Senate just minutes before Wednesday’s filing deadline in the Treasure State, three sources confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Montana’s senior senator is serving his second term and was widely expected to secure a third in Big Sky Country, where President Donald Trump won by nearly 20 points in 2024. He previously served two terms in the House before making the leap to the upper chamber.
Daines played a key role during that election cycle as chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, helping Republicans regain a majority in the upper chamber. He also backed Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Montana, in a grueling race against former Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, helping the GOP secure unified control of Washington.
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, plans to retire at the end of his term, opening up his seat in Big Sky Country as Republicans look to keep their grip in the upper chamber. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
The lawmaker said in a video statement that after «much careful thought, I’ve decided not to seek reelection.»
He thanked his wife, Cindy, and noted that for the last 13 years, she «has selflessly dropped me off at the airport at 5 a.m. on most Mondays for that commute back to D.C.»
«And together, Cindy and I look forward to the next chapter, like cherishing moments with seven grandchildren, spending a bit more time in Montana and continuing to make a difference,» he said.
With Daines set to leave the Senate, Republicans will now look to hold the seat. Montana’s primary election is scheduled for June 2.
REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS’ EARLY RETIREMENT RUMORS SEND SHOCKWAVES THROUGH HOUSE GOP
President Donald Trump takes questions from the media during a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Montana U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme filed just minutes before Daines withdrew from the race, according to the Montana Secretary of State. Earlier Wednesday, former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar entered the race as an independent.
Trump wasted no time lauding Daines and swiftly backing Alme in a post on Truth Social.
«Steve Daines, of Montana, is one of our truly Great United States Senators,» Trump said. «He honorably served for 12 years in the Senate, and 2 in the House of Representatives. He did a job like few others are capable of doing but, sadly for our Country, Steve’s Term is up, and he has decided to leave the Senate and, ‘pass the torch’ to Kurt Alme, my TRUMP 45 and TRUMP 47 U.S. Attorney.»
OPERATION EPIC FURY SURVIVES SENATE CHALLENGE AS REPUBLICANS CLOSE RANKS BEHIND TRUMP
Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., arrives to a caucus meeting with House Republicans on Capitol Hill on May 10, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Three Democrats are also running on the opposite side of the primary field: Alani Bankhead, Reilly Neil and Michael Blackwolf.
A spokesperson for the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, told Fox News Digital in a statement that «Republicans’ midterm prospects are so bleak in 2026 that yet another Senator is running for the hills.»
«Steve Daines is joining more and more of his colleagues in deciding to throw in the towel rather than defend their toxic record,» they said. «This news is the latest flashing warning sign to all GOP senators: Your jobs are not safe, retire or lose.»
Daines’ departure comes on the heels of Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Montana, who earlier this week announced he plans to retire from the House.
Zinke cited several undisclosed surgeries stemming from injuries he suffered as a Navy SEAL.
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«My judgment and experience tell me it is better for Montana and America to have full-time representation in Congress than run the risk of uncertain absence and missed votes,» Zinke said.
His open primary has already attracted several Montana Republicans, including Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and conservative radio host Aaron Flint, who swiftly earned the endorsements of Zinke and Trump.
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INTERNACIONAL
De los autos blindados al ataúd dorado: así fue el imponente funeral del líder narco «El Mencho» en México
El último adiós a Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, estuvo lejos de la ostentación habitual de los grandes capos narcos.
El líder del Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), uno de los criminales más buscados del mundo, fue despedido en un cementerio moderno de Zapopan, bajo un operativo militar que incluyó vehículos blindados y un despliegue de seguridad pocas veces visto.
Leé también: El dramático testimonio de una turista que vivió el operativo contra “El Mencho” en México
El cuerpo de Oseguera, por quien Estados Unidos ofrecía una recompensa de 15 millones de dólares, fue entregado el sábado a sus familiares por la Fiscalía General.
Desde Ciudad de México lo trasladaron a Guadalajara para velarlo y sepultarlo, en una tumba a ras de tierra, a solo cinco kilómetros de uno de los estadios que serán sede del Mundial 2026.
El ataúd dorado de Nemesio «El Mencho» Oseguera en el cementerio Recinto de la Paz en Zapopan. (Foto: AFP/Ulises Ruiz).
Un funeral blindado y casi anónimo
Desde el domingo, la casa funeraria donde velaron a “El Mencho” estuvo rodeada por un fuerte dispositivo de seguridad.
Militares, guardias nacionales y policías controlaron cada movimiento, interrogaron a todos los que se acercaron y evitaron la llegada de curiosos.
Familiares de Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias as «El Mencho,» asisten a su funeral. (Foto: Reuters).
Sin embargo, el desfile de flores no se detuvo. Grúas cargadas de arreglos monumentales —algunos en forma de cruces, alas de ángeles y hasta un gallo, en honor a la pasión por las peleas del narco conocido como “El señor de los gallos”— llegaron de manera casi anónima, sin destinatario visible.
Finalmente, fueron necesarias cinco grúas para trasladar todos los arreglos florales que le enviaron a la familia del narcotraficante mexicano.
(Foto: AFP/Ulises Ruiz).
La ruta hacia el cementerio se mantuvo en secreto hasta último momento por cuestiones de seguridad.
Solo unas ocho personas vestidas de negro y con lentes oscuros, presuntos familiares, acompañaron la carroza blanca que llevaba el ataúd dorado.
El convoy fue escoltado por una decena de vehículos militares y de la Guardia Nacional, además de motos policiales que abrieron paso hasta el camposanto. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias El Mencho, murió en un operativo de las fuerzas mexicanas en Jalisco (Foto: EFE).
Música norteña y un último adios
En el cementerio, custodiado por el Ejército mexicano, solo permitieron el ingreso a quienes demostraron tener asuntos en el lugar.
El féretro dorado fue llevado a una capilla, donde una banda de música norteña interpretó narcocorridos inspirados en la vida de los capos. El Mencho era conocido como «el señor de los gallos». (Foto: AFP/Ulises Ruiz).
Tras una ceremonia de casi una hora, el ataúd volvió a la carroza y fue llevado a la tumba. Una veintena de personas de luto acompañó el entierro, mientras sonaba una canción con la frase: “Ya muerto voy a llevarme no más un puño de tierra”.
A diferencia de otros narcos, “El Mencho” no descansará en un mausoleo lujoso, sino en una tumba sencilla, a ras de la tierra, en un cementerio vecino a una instalación militar.
El Mencho fue enterrado en una tumba al ras de una tierra. (Foto: AFP/Ulises Ruiz).
Violencia y venganza tras la muerte de “El Mencho”
La muerte de Oseguera, ocurrida el domingo 22 de febrero durante un sorpresivo operativo federal en un country de Tapalpa, Jalisco, desató una ola de violencia.
Miembros del CJNG lanzaron ataques coordinados en 20 de los 32 estados mexicanos, con bloqueos, incendios y atentados contra instalaciones oficiales. El cementerio estuvo custodiado pro blindados del Ejército mexicano. (Foto: Reuters).
En estos hechos, más de 70 personas murieron, marcando uno de los episodios más sangrientos tras la caída de un líder narco en México.
Un militar que participó del operativo, bajo anonimato, explicó que el cuerpo de Oseguera fue custodiado en todo momento para evitar que grupos rivales hicieran escarnio de él.
Leé también: Escondida en un bosque y protegida por muros de piedra: así es la mansión donde cayó “El Mencho”
Así, el adiós a “El Mencho” combinó el silencio de sus allegados, la música de banda y un despliegue de seguridad que reflejó el poder y el temor que generó en vida.
México, Narcotráfico
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