The role of CD8⁺ T cells in adaptive immunity is well documented and involves numerous effector mechanisms including direct cytolysis of targets and secretion of cytokines. The role of CD8⁺ T cells in innate immunity has not been previously appreciated. Using J774 macrophages infected in vitro with the intracellular bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes (LM), we show that CD8⁺ T cells isolated from naïve C57BL/6 (B6) mice respond rapidly by secreting IFN‐γ. CD8⁺ T cells secreting IFN‐γ can also be found in naïve B6 mice 16 h after infection with LM. This rapid IFN‐γ response is TCR‐independent and mediated through the actions of IL‐12 and IL‐18. Cell surface staining and cell sorting experiments indicate that these novel CD8⁺ T cells express memory markers. In vitro CFSE‐labeling experiments show that IFN‐γ‐secreting CD8⁺ T cells proliferate rapidly after 2 days in culture andafter 4 days constitute the majority of the CD8⁺ T cell population. Together, these data suggest an important role for IFN‐γ‐secreting CD8⁺ T cells in the innate response to bacterial pathogens.