The U.S. Army has taken swift action against a reserve officer who posted inflammatory social media messages celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk and making threatening remarks about President Trump and his administration.
According to The Daily Caller, Army Reserves Maj. Bryan Bintliff, who uses the name "Bryan Harlow" professionally, has been suspended pending an investigation by the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID).
Bintliff, who is assigned to the 8th Medical Brigade, 3rd Theater Medical Command in Staten Island, New York, made several controversial posts following Kirk's death. The officer's social media activity caught the attention of military authorities after he wrote messages appearing to endorse violence against political figures.
Military Leadership Takes Firm Stand Against Violence
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has explicitly stated that the Pentagon is monitoring celebratory commentary regarding Kirk's assassination. The Department of Defense has implemented a zero-tolerance policy for service members who express support for such acts of violence.
Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Sean Parnell reinforced this position with a clear message on the social media platform X. The military leadership has emphasized that celebrating the death of any American citizen is strictly forbidden within their ranks.
Multiple defense officials have confirmed their commitment to maintaining strict disciplinary standards. The incident has prompted a broader discussion about political expression within the military community.
Details of the Controversial Social Media Posts
In one particularly concerning post, Bintliff referred to Kirk's death by stating, "A monster died today." The major went on to make additional comments about Kirk's family and the impact of his death.
Further posts from Bintliff suggested potential violence against White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. These messages caught the attention of both military officials and social media users who reported the concerning behavior.
The officer's social media activity included multiple posts that appeared to escalate in severity over time. Screenshots of the posts have been widely shared across social media platforms, drawing significant attention to the case.
Background of Kirk Assassination Case
The investigation into Bintliff's conduct comes in the wake of Kirk's assassination at Utah Valley University on September 10. The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, allegedly left distinctive markings on bullet casings used in the attack.
According to Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Robinson had shown increasing political radicalization in recent years. Family members reported that the suspect had expressed strong negative feelings about Kirk prior to the speaking event.
Law enforcement sources revealed that Robinson's family had noticed concerning changes in his behavior. The suspect's relatives described him as becoming increasingly filled with hatred and fixated on political issues.
Military Investigation Moves Forward
The Army's response to this incident demonstrates their commitment to maintaining professional standards within their ranks. The suspension of Major Bintliff reflects the serious nature of the allegations against him.
The CID investigation will examine all aspects of Bintliff's social media activity and its potential implications. Military authorities are particularly concerned about the combination of the officer's position and the nature of his public statements.
The case has sparked renewed discussions about the boundaries of political expression for military personnel. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the military's strict policies regarding threats of violence and celebration of civilian casualties.
