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Suspension lifted for crew of Apache helicopter after flyby at Kid Rock’s home, Hegseth says

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Updated  March 31, 2026 5:00pm EDT
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Musician Kid Rock performs on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The Brief

    • The suspension has been lifted for the crew that flew two AH-64 Apache helicopters over Kid Rock's home. 
    • Defense Secretary Pete Hegesth shared that there would be no punishment and no investigation into the crew. 
    • Kid Rock posted the videos of the helicopters on his social media, showing him acknowledging their presence and saluting as they hovered there.

The suspension has been lifted for the crew that flew two AH-64 Apache helicopters over Kid Rock's home, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared on X.

What they're saying:

"Thank you @KidRock. @USArmy pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots," Hegseth wrote on Tuesday.

The backstory:

Kid Rock posted two videos on social media this weekend showing a helicopter hovering outside his home as he stood gesturing to the aircraft, according to the Associated Press. 

The singer captioned the video making a remark regarding California Governor Gavin Newsom, noting the scene was a "level of respect" and "God Bless America."

Army officials acknowledge the incident was under review

Maj. Jonathan Bless, public affairs officer for the 101st Airborne Division, said there was no official request to the Army from Kid Rock for the helicopters to come to his home near Nashville. 

What they're saying:

"Fort Campbell leadership is aware of a video circulating on social media depicting AH-64 Apache helicopters operating in the vicinity of a private residence associated with Mr. Robert Ritchie (also known as "Kid Rock"). The command has initiated an investigation to review the circumstances surrounding this activity," said Maj. Bless. 

"The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell maintain strict standards for aviation safety, professionalism, and adherence to established flight regulations. We take all concerns regarding aircraft operations and their impact on the surrounding community seriously."

"These helicopters were flying a route in the Nashville vicinity for training purposes. Any association with the No Kings Rally also happening in Nashville that day is entirely coincidental," Bless added.

The Source: This story was written with information provided by the Associated Press and FOX News. This story was reported from Orlando.

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