The U.S. Marines and Coast Guard launched independent investigations into social media posts from service members celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“Another racist man popped,” Capt. Jacoby Williamson, a Marine Corps recruiter, captioned a photo of Kirk on Instagram with an emoji of beers clanking. Williamson has since been relieved of his recruiting duties and is under investigation.
A spokesperson for the Marines told the Washington Examiner, “We became aware of a social media post last night that does not align with our core values. The Marine Corps takes this type of allegation seriously. The Marine in question has been relieved of his recruiting duties, and the matter is currently under investigation.”
Simultaneously, the U.S. Coast Guard issued a public statement saying it was also investigating a service member’s posts but did not identify them.
“The U.S. Coast Guard is aware of inappropriate personal social media activity made by a member regarding recent political violence,” the statement said.
“That social media activity is contrary to our core values. With the support of DHS, we are actively investigating this activity and will take appropriate action to hold the individual accountable. We recognize the harm such behavior can cause and remain steadfast in ensuring that the conduct of our personnel reflects the trust and responsibility placed in us by the American people,” the statement continued.
The Coast Guard did not specify what action it would take against the service member.
Several conservative accounts on social media highlighted service members’ posts celebrating Kirk’s death.
Kirk, who was assassinated in Utah on Wednesday, was a close friend of President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
Trump and Hegseth mentioned Kirk in their 9/11 remembrance speeches at the Pentagon on Thursday. Vance scrapped his scheduled 9/11 plans to visit with Kirk’s family and friends.
Hegseth said, “The young soldiers who take the oath give me hope. The young cops who wear the badge give me hope. The young firefighters who answer the call give me hope. The young agents who patrol our border give me hope. The life, example, and even death of Christ follower and American patriot Charlie Kirk give me hope.”