Hegseth prays at Pentagon service for ‘overwhelming violence’ against enemies

The secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth: ‘Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation.’ Photograph: Will Oliver/UPI/Shutterstock

The defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, prayed during a religious service at the Pentagon that there be “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy”.

The Christian worship service, held on Wednesday before military and civilian workers at the Pentagon, was Hegseth’s first since the Iran war began, the Associated Press reported.