A Canadian Armed Forces member who sustained life-altering injuries from an assault while supervising air cadets selling poppies in Hamilton, Ont., has undergone spinal surgery and remains hospitalized.
Capt. Kenneth Kunkel, a commanding officer for the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, “is facing a long and uncertain road ahead” after he was assaulted this weekend, according to an online post from a family friend.
Hamilton police said the 59-year-old was supervising cadets outside a restaurant on Nov. 1 when two youths allegedly approached and “blew a loud air horn directly into their ears.”
The boys ran into the restaurant and Kunkel followed them where a struggle ensued. A woman who had not been involved in the initial dispute allegedly caused him to fall to the ground where he was allegedly struck several times by one of the youths, police said.
“He was transported to hospital with life-altering injuries. In a matter of moments, this family’s entire world changed,” the friend, identified only as Selina P, said in a fundraising post. “He is now facing…an extended hospital stay and what will undoubtedly be an incredibly challenging recovery.”
Kunkel is an officer with the 826 Griffin Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets, where he has served for 20 years, the post said. He is also a husband, the father of two adult children, a grandfather, and a “dedicated community volunteer,” according to the GoFundMe post.
The fundraising campaign seeks to raise $140,000 to help with Kunkel’s medical expenses and time away from work for both him and his family. It had raised more than $72,000 as of Nov. 5.
“This is the kind of family that would take the shirts off their backs if you are cold,” the post said. “They give and never take help.”
A 12-year-old has been charged with assault and aggravated assault and a 48-year-old female suspect has been charged with aggravated assault in connection with Kunkel’s injuries, police said. The second youth, an 11-year-old, was not charged because police determined “they did not cause harm to the victim.”
‘Disgusted’
The incident has sparked an outpouring of sympathy and outrage across the country.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said he was “disgusted” by the “brutal attack.”
“He was helping young Canadians honour those who served. He should have gone home safely to his family,” Poilievre said in a social media post. “No child should fear violence while selling a poppy. No Canadian should be brutalized for standing up for them. Those responsible for this cowardly attack must face the full consequences of the law.”
Hamilton East—Stoney Creek MP Ned Kuruc shared details of Kunkel’s assault while addressing the House of Commons on Nov. 4, saying he was “disgusted” by the actions of the perpetrators.
“To see a CAF member violently attacked while volunteering his time to support our veterans is heartbreaking and completely unacceptable,” the Tory MP said. “I can confidently speak for everyone in this house when I say our thoughts and prayers are with the victim, his family, and the young cadets who witnessed this horrific act. Our veterans fought to protect the freedoms and values we hold dear. There is no place for this kind of violence in Canada.”
Hamilton area MPP and speaker of the legislature Donna Skelly said in a social media post that she was “deeply saddened” by the attack.
“My thoughts are with Ken Kunkel and his loved-ones as he recovers from life-altering injuries as a result of this senseless act,” said the PC MPP. “Wishing him strength, support, and a full and speedy recovery.”
Outgoing Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath also issued a statement about Kunkel’s assault, describing him as a longtime volunteer with the cadets.
“As a community, we are having a hard time taking in that he’s now facing a long recovery because of a shocking and violent attack,” she wrote. “Capt. Kunkel has given so much of his time to helping young people find their footing and grow into leaders. I hope he and his family feel some of that same care from Hamiltonians in the weeks and months ahead.”
