US service member in hijab indicates she would refuse commands targeting Muslims

A video shared by Lance Johnston of Fearless Debates shows a female Muslim US military service member appearing to indicate that she would refuse a command if it was directed toward Muslims.

In the clip, the uniformed service member is seen answering questions during a livestream while other personnel walk behind her. Reading a viewer’s question aloud, she says, “Would you refuse a command if it’s headed toward Muslims?” After a brief pause, she smirks, glances to her left, and then looks back at the camera before giving a thumbs-up, appearing to signal yes.

The video has since spread across social media, with critics pointing out that refusing a lawful order would violate military rules. Some users called for the service member to be removed from the military, citing the obligation of service members to follow lawful commands.

The incident comes as the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran continues. On Wednesday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted a monthly Christian prayer service at the Pentagon, praying to have “every round find its mark.”

"Every month it is fitting to be right here," Hegseth told employees and military personnel. "All the more fitting this month, at this moment, given what tens of thousands of Americans are doing right now."

Hegseth also delivered a prayer he said was provided by a military chaplain to the troops who captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

"Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation," Hegseth prayed during the service, which was livestreamed. "Give them wisdom in every decision, endurance for the trial ahead, unbreakable unity, and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy."