Pete Hegseth's Veterans Day visit to Arlington took an awkward turn. A guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier publicly warned his group after some of them laughed.

The moment was caught on camera during live TV coverage of the holiday.

The warning

As the Defense Secretary's party walked away from the Tomb, the soldier on duty shouted at them.

"All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!" the sentinel said.

It is not clear if Hegseth himself was laughing. The rebuke seemed aimed at the people with him.

The Tomb is watched over around the clock by elite volunteer guards. They wear no rank insignia, as a nod to the unidentified service members buried there.

The Pentagon responds

Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell said the department has always honored the sacrifices of service members. "While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum," he said.

Parnell's statement did not say whether Hegseth was among those who were laughing.

A rough stretch

The scene came only hours after House Republicans blocked an attempt to impeach Hegseth.

The push was started by outgoing GOP Rep. Thomas Massie. The final tally was 211-204, mostly along party lines. Eleven House Democrats did not vote.