Marine Corps launches investigation after deployed machine-gunner posted neo-Nazi propaganda on social media and told a Jewish journalist her religion was 'that of Satan'

The Marine Corps has launched an investigation after a deployed machine-gunner posted neo-Nazi propaganda on his social media accounts and told a Jewish journalist her religion was 'that of Satan'. 

Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Mercurio, an infantryman with 2nd Battalion in the 4th Marine Regiment, appeared to show neo-Nazi sympathies in both the bio, username and comments posted from his Instagram account. 

Mercurio, whose online username included '88' which is used among neo-Nazis as shorthand for 'HH' or 'Heil Hitler', commented on Talia Lavin's Instagram profile last week writing: 'The Jewish religion is that of satan'. 

His bio also contained a quote from white nationalist leader Richard Bertrand Spencer and from a song by neo-Nazi punk rock band Skrewdriver. 

The Marine Corps has launched an investigation after a deployed machine-gunner posted neo-Nazi propaganda on his social media accounts and told a Jewish journalist her religion was 'that of Satan'. Pictured Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Mercurio

Mercurio, whose online username included '88' which is used among neo-Nazis as shorthand for 'HH' or 'Heil Hitler', commented on Talia Lavin's Instagram profile last week writing: 'The Jewish religion is that of satan'

The infantryman, who has reportedly been deployed during his service, was exposed after he posted the offensive comment on Lavin's Instagram last week.

Lavin, who released the book 'Culture Warlords: My Journey Into the Dark Web of White Supremacy' last week, said Mercurio 'randomly commented' with his anti-Semitic remark on her Instagram profile. 

She said she then viewed his profile and uncovered his neo-Nazi sympathies as well as his military status. 

Lavin posted screenshots of Mercurio's account to her followers. 

The infantryman quickly deleted the neo-Nazi content in his bio soon after. 

Other antisemitic and potentially racist comments could still be found on his account, according to Task & Purpose. 

The military man had shared an antisemitic cartoon back in June depicting Donald Trump holding a burning paper with 'America First' in one hand and an Israel flag in the other.  

The infantryman, who has reportedly been deployed during his service, was exposed after he posted the offensive comment on Lavin's Instagram last week. Pictured Lavin 

 

Levin also pointed out his bio also contained a quote from white nationalist leader Richard Bertrand Spencer and from a song by neo-Nazi punk rock band Skrewdriver

The cartoon first appeared in neo-Nazi publication The Daily Stormer.

Mercurio also hit out at protesters demanding racial justice after the Memorial Day 'murder' of black man George Floyd by a white cop calling them 'wild animals.' 

Marine spokesman Capt. Joe Butterfield confirmed the command was investigating and vowed to hold Mercurio 'accountable' if necessary.   

Marine spokesman Capt. Joe Butterfield confirmed the command was investigating and vowed to hold Mercurio 'accountable' if necessary

'We are serious about holding ourselves accountable,' he said. 

'We have spoken clearly on the Marine Corps' position on racial hatred, extremism, and behavior incongruent with our core values: it will be investigated immediately, and if substantiated, the individual will be held appropriately accountable.'   

This comes just weeks after horrifying footage circled on social media of another Marine threatening to kill Chinese people.  

Marine Pfc. Jarrett Morford, 20, was caught on camera threatening to kill Chinese people after he finished training and got to his unit in the footage posted on Twitter back on October 8. 

There has been a disturbing number of cases of Marines being investigated over ties to extremism and racism.

Since 2017, at least two dozen Marines have been investigated, including at least one officer, reported Task & Purpose

Shocking data from Military Times recently found 36 percent of respondents had seen evidence of white supremacist and racist ideologies in the military.