The Canadian Armed Forces are investigating two of its members over social media posts lamenting that the attempted assassination of former U.S. president Donald Trump was unsuccessful.
A pair of active servicemen joked about the incident which saw a shooter open fire on the presidential contestant while at a rally in Butler, Penn. The shooting left two dead, including the shooter and an audience member. Trump survived the attack but was grazed by a bullet.
As news of the incident was circulating, CAF Petty Officer, 2nd Class Jeff Pike and Sgt. Keith Martin made several Facebook posts about it.
The day after the shooting, Pike referred to the failed assassination as an attempt “at solving America’s problems.”
“Starting to see the reports on the attempt made at solving America’s problems last night… So, so close.”
In another post on Monday, Pike commented how the shooter “tried to Make American (sic) Great Again, but missed.”
Meanwhile, Martin posted a meme gif from the movie Billy Madison depicting American actor Adam Sandler with accompanying text that read, “You blew it!”
Both Pike and Martin have since made their social media accounts private. Neither of the two responded to requests for comment.
A media relations officer with the Department of National Defence confirmed to True North that both individuals were in active service. Photographs on their social media accounts show the two in military uniform.
“We can confirm that the individuals you have identified by name are currently serving members. The matter you have brought to our attention is being referred to the Chain of Command to investigate,” said Lt.-Cmdr. Linda Coleman in an emailed statement.
“While the CAF does not actively monitor the social media accounts of its members, any member engaging on social media is expected to present good judgment and conduct themselves in a manner that respects our clear guidelines regarding professional military conduct, including the behaviour of CAF members both on and off social media.”
All members of the Canadian Armed Forces must adhere to the Queen’s Regulations and Orders. Notably, the posts in question appeared to violate Volume 1, Chapter 19, Section 1 (19.14) and Section 2 (19.36 & 19.44) of the regulations, which pertain to inappropriate comments, expressions of opinions, and political activities.
“Social networks and the comment sections of Web sites are public in nature, and comments and behaviour therein form a permanent part of the public record. CAF members shall ensure that their online activity, whether on–or–off–duty, does not reflect discredit on the CAF, compromise the CAF’s reputation and lead others to refuse, be reluctant to or be unable to work with the CAF,” Coleman told True North.
In March 2023, True North reported that the military was investigating four serving members for posts bashing Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and the Freedom Convoy movement on similar grounds.
