NBC 7 tracked down two active-duty Marines at Camp Pendleton under investigation in connection with a threatening Facebook post.
With the recent deadly shooting in Orlando, and an even more recent alleged threat to the San Diego LGBTQ community through Craigslist, Command at Camp Pendleton is taking this social media post seriously.
In the post, an image shows a corporal in uniform holding an assault rifle. The caption beneath it reads: “Coming to a gay bar near you!”
A marine who reposted it wrote the question: “Too Soon?”
The picture was posted recently in a closed Facebook group for male Marines called Camp Mendleton Resale. It reportedly has more than 25,000 members.
First Marine Expeditionary Force launched an investigation and has identified the two marines involved.
NBC 7 spoke to one of the Marines who said they were told by their superiors to not speak to the media and that the situation was being handled.
Local
North County LGBTQ Board Chairperson Carolyn Bolton spoke with NBC 7 over phone.
"We do not want to give attention to this. Our focus has to be on maintaining a safe space and support for the people who come to our center," she said.
Meanwhile, First Marine Expeditionary Force Outreach officer Thomas Gray released the following statement, which, in part read:
"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."
A Camp Pendleton spokesperson told NBC 7, fellow Marines policed their own by immediately reporting the post.
The names of the two Marines under investigation will not be released unless they are charged.
