A confrontation between a member of the U.S. Navy and a group of protesters has gone viral after footage of the incident was posted online.
The video, shared to Facebook on Sunday, shows the uniformed sailor shouting at supporters of President Donald Trump.
Jill Nelson, who uploaded the clip on social media, had been attending a small “pro-America” rally when the petty officer approached the group.
“Fuck Trump!” said the woman, later identified by officials as Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Sarah J. Dudrey.
The sailor can be seen lifting her middle finger to numerous protesters while one member of the group repeatedly demands to know the name of her “commanding officer.”
Demands that the sailor “take off” her uniform can also be heard before Dudrey eventually returns to her vehicle.
In a statement to the Navy Times, Navy spokeswoman Melinda Larson said that military personnel are not allowed to engage in political activity while in uniform.
“The Navy is a proponent of free speech and active-duty members are free to participate in protests during their off-duty time,” Larson said. “However, Navy members are not authorized to wear military uniforms while engaging in protests and voicing personal opinions.”
While the Navy has not specified whether Dudrey will face disciplinary action, Larson added that the sailor’s “Commanding Officer will make a determination on what actions are warranted” following an investigation into the matter.
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H/T Newsweek
