The CBC said it doesn’t endorse the views expressed by one of its journalists who mocked the assassination attempt on former U.S. president Donald Trump.
CBC Indigenous issues reporter Lenard Monkman referenced the attack on Trump’s life in a Facebook post on Saturday, soon after the shooting claimed the life of a Trump supporter seated near the former president.
“It was a good day. Could have been better, but still a good day,” wrote Monkman.
Monkman also shared a meme to Facebook of someone shrugging in disappointment with the caption, “The entire world at one guy on 13 July 2024.”
A shooter opened fire on the presidential candidate during a rally in Butler, Penn. The incident resulted in two fatalities, including the shooter and the audience member. Trump survived the attack but a bullet grazed his ear.
While Monkman removed the posts soon after, social media users circulated screenshots of the comments on X. Replies to Monkman’s Facebook post by his mutuals were filled with similar ill will targeting the former president.
CBC’s head of public affairs Chuck Thompson told True North that Monkman does not speak for the public broadcaster, and the network strongly condemns the content of these posts.
True North asked the CBC whether the posts violated the CBC’s journalistic standards and practices and whether any disciplinary measures would be taken against Monkman.
“Any HR matters involving our employees are kept private,” said Thompson.
CBC’s journalistic standards and practices are available online. The “Use of Social Media” section says that CBC’s editorial standards on its published content extend to its employees’ social media accounts.
“We maintain professional decorum and strive to do nothing that could bring the CBC into disrepute,” reads the guide.
“We consider perceptions created when we share, republish, link, or interact with other people’s content. We strive to avoid having such actions appear to be endorsements. When appropriate and possible, we provide context.”
Monkman did not reply to a request for comment from True North.
Various Canadian university professors published similar posts on social media showing disappointment in the failed assassination.
Trump formally received the Republican party’s nomination on Monday, winning an overwhelming majority. He announced Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his vice-presidential running mate.
The Republican nominee walked out with a bandaged ear to a live performance by Lee Greenwood of “God Bless the USA.”
