The Marine Corps relieved Col. Paul Cucinotta of command Monday following an investigation into the death of a Muslim-American recruit.
Cucinotta, an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, was the commanding officer of the Marine Recruit Training Regiment based in Parris Island, S.C., according to reports. He was responsible for overseeing all aspects of recruit training. Sgt. Maj. Nicholas Deabreu, Cucinotta’s senior enlisted adviser, was also removed from duty.
Raheel Siddiqui, a recruit from Taylor, Mich., fell to his death March 18 after diving off a 40-foot ladderwall. He reportedly jumped shortly after waking up from fainting during a training exercise.
Maj. Gen. James Lukeman relieved Cucinotta of his command due to a “lack of trust and confidence in his ability to serve in that position.” The Marine Corps decision was made in the midst of a Naval Criminal Investigative Service probe into the death of the 20-year old recruit.
This incident prompted concerns that Siddiqui’s death could be a result of his Muslim-American ethnicity.
Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., Siddiqui’s congresswoman, asked Marine Corps leaders if hazing had any involvement. The commandant’s legislative assistant, Brig. Gen. David Furness, said there is a command investigation in addition to the NCIS probe.
The NCIS said it would be premature to comment on hazing allegations but no foul play is suspected.
Dingell said in a statement in April, “This was an intelligent, loyal, patriotic young Muslim man — and class valedictorian — who loved his country.” She vowed to give Siddiqui’s family a full account of his death.
Capt. Joshua Pena, spokesman for Marine Training and Education Command, said Marine commanders are held to a “very high set of standards. This is particularly pertinent at the recruit depots where Marine leaders instill recruits with our ethos and core values of honor, courage and commitment.”
“The Marine Corps remains committed to ensuring the utmost trust and confidence in the leaders assigned,” Pena said.
Lt. Col. Chad Hoare, Recruit Training Regiment’s executive officer, will serve as acting commander. The Marine Corps declined to reveal additional details due to the investigation.
