Additional Coverage:
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday that there will be no investigation following the incident involving two Army Apache helicopters seen hovering outside the Nashville home of singer and rapper Kid Rock. He also confirmed that the pilots who had been suspended are now cleared to resume flying.
In a post on X from his personal account, Hegseth wrote, “Thank you @KidRock. @USArmy pilots suspension LIFTED.
No punishment. No investigation.
Carry on, patriots.”
Earlier that day, an Army spokesperson had confirmed the suspension of the helicopter crew pending a formal investigation into their actions during a training mission over the weekend. The mission included a flight near Kid Rock’s residence and a “No Kings” protest, though details about the mission’s purpose and the number of personnel suspended were not disclosed.
Kid Rock, speaking with local ABC affiliate WKRN, expressed confidence that the pilots would be fine. “My buddy’s commander-in-chief,” he said, referencing President Trump.
He added that the helicopters only paused near his house for “seconds? A minute?”
and that he was unsure what the Army’s investigation was aiming to determine.
The singer had posted videos on social media showing the helicopters outside his home. In one clip, Kid Rock salutes a helicopter while standing poolside next to a replica of the Statue of Liberty before it flies away. In another, he pumps his fist as a second helicopter passes by.
The Army had initiated an administrative review to ensure compliance with flight regulations and airspace requirements. Maj.
Montrell Russell emphasized the importance of strict adherence to safety and professionalism by Army aviators and said appropriate action would be taken if violations were found. Maj.
Jonathon Bless of the 101st Airborne Division also confirmed that an investigation was underway.
Kid Rock noted in his interview that the helicopters fly regularly from Fort Campbell and often pass over his property. He recalled speaking with pilots there during a Thanksgiving event last year, where he told them they are “always welcome” to fly by his house, describing the flights as “harmless.”