Ottawa Police Officer Removed Following Army Exposure of Antisemitic, Homophobic Group

Canadian Army Takes Action Amidst “Abhorrent” Online Conduct Investigation

The head of the Canadian Army has taken decisive action,temporarily removing the commanding officer of the Cameron Highlanders in Ottawa following the discovery of a Facebook group containing what Army Commander Lt.-Gen. Michael Wright has described as “abhorrent” content. This growth comes as the Canadian Armed Forces continues its investigation into the group, reportedly known as the “Blue Hackle Mafia.”

The army has stated that the Facebook group was found to be rife with comments and images deemed “racist,misogynistic,homophobic and antisemitic.” Lt.-Gen. Wright, in a message to members on July 16, outlined steps being taken to address this “inappropriate behavior.”

While specific names were not released in the statement, the regiment’s website identifies Lt.-Col. Ryan Hendy as the commanding officer. An interim officer has been appointed to lead the unit during the ongoing investigation.

“This incident has damaged the reputation of the Canadian Army at a time when we are engaged in crucial modernization work as part of a ready, resilient, and relevant Canadian Armed Forces,” Wright stated, further expressing his disgust with some of the posts.

Screenshots shared with the Ottawa citizen reportedly depict hateful comments targeting women and derogatory sexual remarks about former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. One such posting indicated a sentiment of exclusion, stating, “All welcome (except the Jews of course).” CBC News has not independently verified these screenshots.

the army is currently investigating the alleged unethical conduct of any serving Canadian Army members who were part of this group. The military police are also involved in the investigation.

This situation with the “Blue Hackle Mafia” is surfacing alongside another concerning report involving the armed Forces. Last week, the RCMP laid charges against four men, including two current and one former member of the Armed Forces, in connection with an alleged plot to amass weapons and explosives for the purpose of taking over land near Quebec City.

Disclaimer: This article reports on allegations and investigations. facts presented here is based on publicly released statements and media reports. The Canadian Armed Forces is conducting investigations, and the outcomes are pending.

What specific actions is the Ottawa Police Service taking to review its internal policies adn training to prevent similar incidents in the future?

Details of the removal & Inquiry

An Ottawa Police Service officer has been removed from duty following an investigation triggered by details uncovered within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The CAF investigation revealed the officer’s association with an extremist group espousing antisemitic and homophobic ideologies. While the officer’s name has not been publicly released by the ottawa Police, the incident has sparked important concern regarding extremist views within law enforcement and the military.

The initial exposure came through a CAF internal investigation focusing on hate groups and extremist activity amongst its members. This investigation, utilizing open-source intelligence and internal reporting, identified connections to a network promoting hateful rhetoric. The Ottawa Police officer was identified as a member or associate of this network.

The nature of the Extremist Group

The group in question, currently under investigation by multiple agencies, is characterized by:

Antisemitic Conspiracy Theories: Promotion of long-standing, debunked tropes about Jewish control and influence.

Homophobic Ideology: Active dissemination of hateful rhetoric targeting the LGBTQ+ community.

White Supremacist Leanings: underlying beliefs centered on racial superiority and the preservation of a “white” cultural identity.

Online Radicalization: Significant activity on encrypted messaging apps and online forums known for extremist content.

Military & Law Enforcement Recruitment: Evidence suggests a intentional strategy to recruit members from the armed forces and police services.

The group’s online presence, while ofen obscured, utilizes coded language and symbols to evade detection. Researchers specializing in extremism have identified a pattern of recruitment targeting individuals with a sense of grievance or disillusionment.

Ottawa Police Response & Internal Review

The Ottawa Police Service acted swiftly upon being informed of the CAF findings.The officer was promptly suspended with pay, pending the outcome of an internal investigation. The service has stated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct and ensuring that its officers do not harbor extremist beliefs.

Key actions taken by the Ottawa Police include:

1. Internal Investigation: A dedicated team is conducting a thorough investigation into the officer’s activities, associations, and potential biases.
2. Review of Vetting Procedures: A extensive review of the police service’s vetting procedures for new recruits is underway, aiming to identify and address potential vulnerabilities. This includes background checks,social media screening,and psychological assessments.
3. Enhanced Training: Plans are being developed to implement enhanced training for all officers on recognizing and reporting extremist ideologies, implicit bias, and hate crimes.
4. Collaboration with Security Agencies: The Ottawa Police are collaborating with the RCMP and other security agencies to share information and coordinate efforts to combat extremism.

Implications for Public Trust & Police Accountability

This incident raises serious questions about public trust in law enforcement and the need for greater police accountability. concerns have been voiced by civil liberties groups and community organizations regarding the potential for biased policing and the erosion of trust between the police and marginalized communities.

Bias in Policing: The presence of an officer with extremist views raises concerns about potential bias in investigations, arrests, and use of force.

Community Relations: The incident could damage relationships between the police and communities targeted by the extremist group’s hateful rhetoric.

Accountability Mechanisms: Calls are growing for greater openness and accountability in police investigations involving allegations of extremism.

the Role of Social Media: The case highlights the role of social media and online platforms in the spread of extremist ideologies and the recruitment of new members.

Similar Cases & Broader Trends

This is not an isolated incident. Similar cases have been reported in other police departments and military organizations across North America and Europe. These cases often involve officers or soldiers who have secretly embraced extremist ideologies and used their positions to promote their views or gather intelligence.

Case Study: The Proud Boys & Law Enforcement (2018-2021) – Investigations revealed connections between members of the far-right Proud Boys group and law enforcement officers in several US cities. This led to internal investigations and, in some cases, the dismissal of officers.

Trend: Rise of Online Extremism – The proliferation of online platforms has facilitated the spread of extremist ideologies and made it easier for individuals to radicalize and connect with like-minded individuals. This poses a significant challenge for law enforcement and security agencies.

Resources & Further Information

Canadian Anti-Hate Coalition: https://www.antihatecoalition.ca/

Southern Poverty Law Center: https://www.splcenter.org/

Ottawa Police Service: https://www.ottawapolice.ca/

* Canadian Armed forces: https://www.forces.gc.ca/ (for information on their internal investigations)