“Sorry for his family, but I’m not sorry for the following words: You’re not gonna get a post from me that’s all emotional or anti-violence, or anti-hate. He’s not Jesus, stop turning him into one. He’s not a martyr. Stop turning him into one. He’s a victim from an act, and he had victims of his own as well that’ll also last for generations.”
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The post drew attention from conservative-aligned accounts on X (formerly Twitter) that have been documenting comments by current and former service members reacting to Kirk’s death.
Kirk’s Stance on Transgender Issues
During his career as a political commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk was widely known for opposing the inclusion of transgender individuals in the military. He frequently spoke out against gender-affirming care and criticized Defense Department policies accommodating transgender service members.
In a 2024 broadcast, Kirk called gender dysphoria “a mental illness that disqualifies one from military service” and referred to DoD transgender inclusion policies as “woke infiltration of the ranks.”
These positions were widely circulated across conservative platforms and often drew pushback from LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations and military personnel who identify as transgender or who support them.
Jaques’ Public Association with Transgender Officers
Major Jaques has been publicly supportive of LGBTQ+ and transgender service members. Her social media features multiple posts showing solidarity with Major Kara Corcoran, a fellow infantry officer who publicly identifies as transgender and has advocated for inclusive service policies.
Major Sydney Jaques (Instagram)
Photos from Jaques’ Instagram depict her attending events alongside Corcoran, and in one caption, Jaques referenced “fighting battles the institution still doesn’t want to name.”
Major Sydney Jaques (middle) and Major Kara Corcoran (right)
Corcoran herself has been featured in national coverage, including a CBS News report, for advocating against the potential reinstatement of a transgender service ban.
This public association, paired with Jaques’ comments following Kirk’s death, has prompted speculation that her statement may have been influenced by her views on the commentator’s opposition to transgender inclusion.
Broader Military Response to Social Media Posts
A report from Task & Purpose on September 17 confirmed that at least eight service members have been suspended or are under investigation for social media activity following Kirk’s death on September 10.
Suspended personnel include:
Col. Amy Neiman – 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell
Col. Scott Stephens – Detroit Arsenal
Lt. Col. Christopher Ladnier – [Assignment unspecified]
Maj. Guillermo Muniz – 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Fort Bragg
Capt. Andra McCray – CBRN officer, Pennsylvania
Additionally:
Maj. Bryan Bintliff (Army Reserve) is under investigation.
Senior Master Sgt. Adam Antonioli (Air Force) was removed from a leadership position at Hurlburt Field, Florida.
A Marine officer was relieved of recruiting duties after allegedly posting a meme about Kirk.
The Army has not announced any disciplinary action regarding the three active-duty service members previously identified by The Salty Soldier, despite their public comments appearing significantly more severe than those currently under official investigation.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the issue on Sept. 11, writing on X:
“We are tracking all these very closely — and will address, immediately. Completely unacceptable.”
No Confirmation Yet on Administrative Action
As of publication, there has been no official confirmation from Army Public Affairs on whether Major Jaques is under formal investigation or administrative review. The Army has not publicly commented on her statement.
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell previously stated that the military has “zero tolerance” for uniformed personnel or Department of Defense civilians who “celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American.”
Background: Jaques’ Career and Public Profile
Major Jaques was commissioned through ROTC at the University of Scranton, later serving in the 82nd Airborne Division, deploying to Iraq, and passing RASP 2 to join the 75th Ranger Regiment in 2017. She earned her Ranger Tab in 2018.
Her assignment marked a first in Army history and led to her appearance in Army marketing materials, including a recruiting bus campaign.
In recent years, she has spoken candidly on social media about the pressures of serving as a trailblazer and the mental health struggles that followed. Her posts often focus on the intersection of identity, leadership, and institutional expectations.
Social Media Monitoring and Future Developments
Social media accounts such as @deptbuilding01 have compiled posts by service members reacting to Kirk’s death. These lists have been amplified by larger platforms like LibsOfTikTok and individual veterans, including former Army intelligence officer Sam Shoemate.
Pentagon officials have indicated that online activity by military personnel is being actively reviewed, and further disciplinary action remains possible.
The Salty Soldier will continue to monitor developments and report updates as official information becomes available.
