Trending Now - Pentagon Prayer Service Features Controversial 'pulp Fiction' Quote
WHO:
Los Angeles Times - Hegseth learned the prayer from the lead mission planner of a team called “Sandy 1,” which recently rescued downed Air Force crew members in Iran.
Los Angeles Times - Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell stated that some outlets accused Hegseth of mistaking Jackson’s performance for actual scripture.
Los Angeles Times - Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth led a Pentagon prayer meeting.
Los Angeles Times - The lead mission planner of a team called “Sandy 1” was involved in a recent rescue operation.
Los Angeles Times - Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell defended Hegseth's actions.
Los Angeles Times - Pope Leo XIV criticized the conflation of war and divinity.
WHAT:
Los Angeles Times - Hegseth's prayer included the line: “And you will know my call sign is Sandy 1, when I lay my vengeance upon thee.”
Los Angeles Times - Hegseth's previous sermon in March 2026 included a request for God to “grant this task force clear and righteous targets for violence.”
Los Angeles Times - Hegseth quoted a fictional Bible verse from the film “Pulp Fiction” during a prayer service.
Los Angeles Times - Hegseth referred to the prayer as “CSAR 25:17,” which he claimed reflects Ezekiel 25:17 from the Bible.
Los Angeles Times - Hegseth's prayer included the line: “And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to capture and destroy my brother.”
Los Angeles Times - Hegseth has previously called for violence in the ongoing war in Iran during prayer sessions.
WHERE:
Los Angeles Times - The event took place at the Pentagon.
WHEN:
Los Angeles Times - The prayer service occurred on Wednesday, April 16th, 2026.
Los Angeles Times - Hegseth's previous sermon was held in March 2026.
WHY:
Los Angeles Times - The prayer was used to justify the war in Iran as an act of divine justice, similar to the justification used by Jackson’s character in “Pulp Fiction.”
Los Angeles Times - Hegseth used the prayer to frame the war in Iran as an act of divine justice.
Los Angeles Times - The prayer was inspired by the dialogue in “Pulp Fiction” to reflect the experiences of combat search-and-rescue crews.
HOW:
Los Angeles Times - The services are not mandatory, but some attendees feel an “implied pressure” to attend and “fill seats.”
Los Angeles Times - Hegseth recited the prayer during a monthly worship service at the Pentagon.
Los Angeles Times - The prayer was adapted from a monologue in “Pulp Fiction,” with modifications to include military references.
(UPDATED April 17, 2026 15:17 UTC)
In a recent development, Hegseth's prayer, which included the line, “And you will know my call sign is Sandy 1, when I lay my vengeance upon thee,” has drawn criticism for its controversial nature, particularly as it was used to justify military actions in Iran. Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell noted that some media outlets accused Hegseth of confusing Jackson’s performance in “Pulp Fiction” with actual scripture, highlighting the contentious context of his previous sermon in March, where he requested divine guidance for violence. While attendance at these services is not mandatory, many participants reportedly feel an “implied pressure” to be present and support the cause.
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(UPDATED April 17, 2026 13:20 UTC)
on Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth led a prayer service at the Pentagon, where he quoted a fictional Bible verse from the film “Pulp Fiction,” referring to it as “CSAR 25:17.” Hegseth's prayer, which included the line about striking down those who threaten his brother, was intended to frame the ongoing war in Iran as an act of divine justice and was inspired by the experiences of combat search-and-rescue crews. Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell defended Hegseth's actions, despite previous calls for violence made by Hegseth during earlier prayer sessions.