US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Branded 'War Criminal' and 'Nazi' as Six Anti-War Protesters Erupt Over Children Killed in Iran

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth faced a furious confrontation at a military conference in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, 14 October, as six anti-war protesters interrupted his remarks, branding him a 'war criminal,' 'Nazi' and 'coward' over civilian deaths in Iran and Gaza.

The demonstrators repeatedly disrupted Hegseth's appearance at the Association of the United States Army's annual conference, where senior military officials were discussing autonomous weapons and drone warfare. Security personnel removed the protesters individually as their accusations echoed through the packed venue.

Hegseth Branded 'War Criminal' and 'Nazi'

The confrontation escalated when a male protester shouted accusations at Hegseth while security personnel escorted him from the conference.

'You're a f---ing war criminal, you're a Nazi!' the demonstrator yelled, according to The New Republic. He also accused the Pentagon chief of responsibility for civilian suffering and demanded that he be ashamed of himself.

Another protester accused military leaders of complicity in the conflict, shouting that those attending the event were 'all to blame.'

The accusations were made by demonstrators opposing US military operations and do not constitute established findings of criminal wrongdoing.

Leaders Accused of Profiting From Bombs

One particularly heated interruption saw a protester challenge Hegseth's military credentials while condemning the deaths of civilians.

'You're not a warrior, you're a coward!' the demonstrator shouted. The protester then questioned why military officials were allegedly making money from bombs killing members of their family.

Another demonstrator criticised American military expenditure, contrasting spending on warfare with poverty and hunger affecting children in the United States. The protesters also raised concerns about children killed or suffering in Gaza, connecting their opposition to the Iran war with broader criticism of American military policy.

Hegseth Jokes as Protester Describes Children's Bodies

The first interruption came from a woman carrying a 'No War With Iran' banner who condemned the consequences of military attacks on Iranian civilians. According to The New Republic, she described children's body parts being pulled from beneath rubble.

As security removed her, Hegseth responded sarcastically. 'She thinks highly of me,' he remarked, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.

Further interruptions followed, including one involving a protester discussing children killed in Palestine and Gaza. Several audience members responded by chanting 'USA! USA!' briefly drowning out the demonstrator.

As the interruptions continued, Hegseth suggested protesters were employing a tactic to derail the discussion.

Pentagon's Autonomous Warfare Plans

The conference panel focused on Project Agincourt, a Pentagon initiative designed to accelerate the development and acquisition of autonomous military systems, including drones and robotics.

Senior officials appearing alongside Hegseth included acting Army Secretary Adam Telle, acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao and Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.

Despite the disruptions, the panel continued discussing plans to expand autonomous warfare capabilities. Hegseth also defended the Trump administration's position on Iran, insisting the country would not be permitted to acquire nuclear weapons.

The anti-war demonstrations came amid continued criticism of US military operations in Iran and concerns about civilian casualties. Peace organisation CODEPINK subsequently identified itself and allied activists as participants in the protest, saying demonstrators sought to challenge the Pentagon's military technology programme and its consequences for civilians.