UBC investigates professor for social media post saying Trump assassination would be 'a glorious day'

University of British Columbia medical professor Karen Pinder is under investigation after she took to social media in the immediate aftermath of the failed assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump and indicated, “Damn, so close, Too bad.”

That post on X received a reply from a user named @IR_AMauntie of, “I reeeeeally wish the person had better aim.” Pinder responded, “What a glorious day this could have been!”

The academic quickly deleted her account after the exchange but the Vancouver Sun published a screen capture of Pinder’s page before it was removed. The Sun’s reporting described Pinder’s words as a “social media gaffe.”

The university is reportedly investigating the post.

BC Conservative Party leader John Rustad condemned Pinder and said “this kind of radicalism” should not be tolerated in the province’s schools and universities.

In a letter obtained by the Sun, McGill PhD student Jamie Magrill suggested Pinder’s attitude could spread fear among conservative students. “How could a medical student from the US who identifies as Republican feel safe in her class? A student who identifies as Conservative?”

UBC spokesperson Thandi Fletcher issued a statement on Sunday that, “the university is aware of Dr. Pinder’s post and is looking into the matter. The university does not condone violence of any kind.”

A University of Guelph professor, who was not identified in either media or police reports, also expressed their caustic opinions about the shooting.  The professor posted a picture of Trump with blood on his face and commented, “When 4 inches really matters.”