Two Marines are reportedly under investigation for threatening gay bars on Facebook, the Marine Corps Timesreported. A photo posted to the closed Facebook group Camp MENdleton resale appears to show an active-duty Marine with his finger on the trigger of a rifle with the caption "coming to a gay bar near you."
The I Marine Expeditionary Force, based in San Diego County, has since launched a command investigation into both the Marine who posted the photo and the one depicted holding the rifle. First Lt. Thomas Gray, speaking to the Times, confirmed that both soldiers have been identified but could not offer additional details. "I can tell you the command is taking this incident seriously," Gray said.
According to the Facebook group's description, the community is designed as a "closed group" appealing directly to men with "a relation" to the military. "Mendleton has a few simple guidelines," the group's description reads. "No nudity or other violations of the Facebook Community Policies, no harassment/posts encouraging it, and no racism or hate speech."
The post comes just days after Sunday's attack at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, the deadliest mass shooting in the nation's history. 49 people were killed, with another 53 left wounded. In a statement to Complex Friday, a spokesperson for the I Marine Expeditionary Force condemned such behavior as "not consistent" with the core values of the Marines:
The Marine Corps does not tolerate discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, gender or religion. We are currently investigating a threatening Social Media post and will take appropriate action. This type of behavior and mindset will not be allowed, and it is not consistent with the core values of honor, courage and commitment that are demonstrated by the vast majority of Marines on a daily basis.
