The head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) emphasized the strong relationships the agency maintains with its international allies, amid reports suggesting tension between the RCMP and the FBI over a leaked CBC memo related to the description of the 9/11 attacks.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme acknowledged the reports but highlighted the ongoing collaboration with U.S. counterparts in addressing national security threats and staying informed about emerging risks. He underscored the importance of partnerships within Canada’s security and intelligence community, including members of the Five Eyes alliance.
The controversy stemmed from a leaked CBC internal memo instructing reporters not to label the Sept. 11 attacks as terrorist acts without attribution, in line with CBC’s policy on terrorism terminology. Following backlash, CBC clarified its stance on describing the events of 9/11 as terrorism without requiring direct attribution.
FBI Director Kash Patel publicly expressed frustration over the leaked memo, leading to reported disruptions in cooperation between the FBI and the RCMP. Patel’s statements hinted at potential repercussions for agencies in Canada not rejecting the memo’s guidance.
The reported fallout between the FBI and the RCMP around the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks raised concerns about the Canada-U.S. relationship, particularly in matters of public safety. Both countries collaborate extensively on various issues, from border security to counterterrorism and cybersecurity.
Despite political tensions, officials in Canada emphasized the importance of maintaining strong partnerships with U.S. security agencies for mutual safety and intelligence sharing. The RCMP and FBI have a history of collaboration on critical security matters, underscoring the significance of their ongoing relationship.
A spokesperson for Canada’s Public Safety Minister expressed gratitude for the deep cooperation with U.S. counterparts in law enforcement and security efforts. The statement emphasized the essential role of collaboration in safeguarding citizens on both sides of the border.
While the FBI declined to comment on the situation, the White House condemned the CBC memo’s guidance as disrespectful to the 9/11 victims and their families, denouncing the attacks as pure acts of evil. The response reflected the sensitivity and gravity of discussing the historical events surrounding 9/11.
