An unlikely visitor to the Pentagon raised eyebrows and many questions about the surprise appearance on social media Thursday.

KISS frontman Gene Simmons was on hand in the Pentagon briefing room, thanking military servicemen while sharing an emotional story of his personal life.

According to press accounts, the rock star was on hand to shake hands in the Pentagon press room and share his pride in America.

@genesimmons graciously came to the Pentagon press room today to shake hands and say thank you to troops. He spoke about the values his mother instilled in him about America. So in the last year, the leader of @KISSOnline and @GerardButler…..who else should show up soon…… pic.twitter.com/pmU4562Wad — Barbara Starr (@barbarastarrcnn) May 16, 2019

So unexpected moment at the Pentagon, just saw Gene Simmons of Kiss fame speak to Defense Department personnel in the Pentagon Press Briefing room. He gave a touching and deeply personal speech about his mother and her love of America — Ryan Browne (@rabrowne75) May 16, 2019

The 69-year-old reality TV star and co-founder of the rock band KISS was at the Pentagon to “promote military service” among other things.

He was there to help promote military service and thank the service members assembled. — Tara Copp (@TaraCopp) May 16, 2019

He reportedly “choked back tears” when recounting how his mother survived a Nazi concentration camp.

Instead of a more “rock on”-type vibe, Simmons choked back tears as he told the room how his mother was 14 when she was put in a Nazi concentration camp, survived, gave birth to him in Israel and came to America. — Tara Copp (@TaraCopp) May 16, 2019

His visit touched many and “wasn’t at all what you might have expected it to be,” according to military and veterans journalist Tara Copp.

.@KISSOnline Gene Simmons just visited the Pentagon. His visit wasn’t at all what you might have expected it to be. (Thread) pic.twitter.com/YAIWHNebxI — Tara Copp (@TaraCopp) May 16, 2019

Some questioned the appearance in the press room which reportedly hasn’t seen any activity in nearly a year.

May 31 will be one year since a press secretary briefing on camera at the Pentagon. https://t.co/kG0GzGzMrP — Barbara Starr (@barbarastarrcnn) May 16, 2019

Others questioned the wisdom of hosting a rock star amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

As tensions between Iran and the United States increase in the Middle East, the Pentagon briefing room is being used to host Gene Simmons of Kiss. pic.twitter.com/NauZ0bfkgm — Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) May 16, 2019

I haven’t read the news in a few days is he the new secretary of defense? — Jarrod (@jarwilso) May 16, 2019

Guess the KISS Army is going to Iran. Looks like we really are in the upside down — K Durham (@kd1071) May 16, 2019

He is giving a speech but the American people have not been informed by a Pentagon Briefing for a year? — Valerie Casto (@val_casto) May 16, 2019

The rocker was seen entering the White House on the north driveway later and shrugged when asked if he would be meeting with President Trump.

Many others on Twitter were thrilled by the Israeli-American musician’s appearance and his support of the military, and fired back at critics raging about it.

He’d be perfect as Sec. of Defense — Bong-Hits for Moderates (@jerweber) May 16, 2019

And only Gene could rock leather in the press room. — U.S. Department of Defense – ??? (@altDoD_) May 16, 2019

Love Kiss ? and Gene. May not agree with everything he says but I can respect his views on different things and he loves the military. — ?Lynnette Marie? (@lynnettemarie01) May 16, 2019

Nowhere in the tweet or comments does anyone admit they know what this is about. Flipped & Obama had Gene Simmons in the Pentagon, you’d all be raving w/accolades how ‘cool’ your president was. Takes half a second to Google… — vibr8_higher (@Vibr8_Hyer) May 16, 2019