'You’re a war criminal': Protester disrupts Pete Hegseth at US Senate hearing

A tense moment unfolded during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing when U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth was interrupted mid-opening statement by a protester who shouted accusations including “you should be arrested” and “you’re a war criminal.”

The disruption occurred as Hegseth was laying out testimony before lawmakers on defence priorities and the Pentagon’s budget. The heckler also claimed that the American public does not support continued military engagement abroad, before being swiftly escorted out of the chamber by security personnel.

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The incident took place inside the United States Senate Armed Services Committee hearing room, highlighting rising public anger and deepening political divisions over Washington’s foreign policy and military interventions.

Hegseth, a senior defence official, was in the middle of outlining strategic priorities for the Pentagon when the interruption briefly halted proceedings. Committee members resumed the session shortly after order was restored.

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The episode comes at a time when debates over defence spending and overseas military involvement have intensified across the United States, with lawmakers facing increasing scrutiny from both protest groups and political opponents.