After a former Green Party of Canada candidate posted a tweet justifying the targeted killing of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington, D.C. the party issued a statement “unequivocally” condemning its candidate.
In a now-deleted post on X, Green Party candidate Jayden Baldonado wrote that the shooting was “100% justified,” adding, “Peaceful protest has failed, and the people need to start fighting back against those in positions of power.”
The post also referenced other individuals, saying, “Just like Luigi and Rodney Hinton” in reference to Luigi Mangione, who was charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and Rodney Hinton, who faces murder charges for ramming his car into a sheriff’s deputy.
The Israeli embassy killing victims were identified as Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Milgrim, an American. Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, said they were a young couple who were about to be engaged.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated and appalled” by the shooting, which occurred Wednesday as the two victims were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum.
The suspect allegedly shouted “Free, free Palestine” upon arrest, according to Washington police.
The post drew condemnation, including from the Green Party itself.
“The Green Party of Canada unequivocally denounces all forms of violence, including the appalling remarks made by Jayden Baldonado regarding the tragic events in Washington last night,” the party said in a statement Thursday.
“These comments are completely unacceptable and violate the Party’s Code of Conduct.”
The party said an internal investigation has been launched, noting that attempts to reach Baldonado have been unsuccessful and his X account has been deleted.
“The Green Party’s position on violence and hatred is clear: we do not condone such rhetoric under any circumstances,” the statement read.
Political leaders across Canada have described the shooting as a targeted act of antisemitism.
“This was a targeted attack on the Jewish community,” Carney said in a social media post. “My prayers are with Yaron and Sarah, their grieving loved ones, and the entire Jewish community.”
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called it a stark reminder of rising antisemitism, saying the victims “had lives of promise” that were cut short “simply because they were Jewish.”