The Trump administration is reportedly considering a gun ban for trans people, questioning if a gender dysphoria diagnosis should prevent them from owning firearms. This follows the Minneapolis church shooting, where Robin Westman, a trans woman, killed two children and injured 21 people before taking her own life.

According to CNN and ABC News, DOJ officials are debating whether gender dysphoria can be classified as a mental defect, which would restrict gun ownership for trans people. However, experts argue that this approach fails to address the root causes of mass shootings.

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Mark Bryant, executive director of the Gun Violence Archive, noted that out of more than 5,700 mass shootings in the U.S. since 2013, only five were carried out by trans individuals. This small number contradicts the idea that banning trans people from owning guns would reduce violence.

Mark Bryant – Executive Director, Gun Violence Archive:
“Out of over 5,700 mass shootings in the U.S. since 2013, only five were carried out by trans people.” (CNN)

A spokesperson for GLAAD emphasized that the administration is scapegoating a vulnerable population instead of focusing on real solutions. They pointed out that while trans people represent under 2% of the population, they face a higher risk of becoming victims of crime.

GLAAD spokesperson:
“Instead of addressing real solutions, the administration is targeting a vulnerable population… Trans people make up less than 2% of the population but are more likely to be victims of crime.” (GLAAD)

Even the NRA criticized the proposed policy. The NRA tweeted that it opposes policies that strip law-abiding citizens of their Second Amendment rights without due process.

NRA (National Rifle Association) Twitter Post:
“NRA does not, and will not, support any policy proposals that arbitrarily strip law-abiding citizens of their Second Amendment rights without due process.” (@NRA / x.com)

Social media users have also pointed out the hypocrisy of the ban. One Twitter user said, “If a trans person shoots kids in school, and the GOP wants to take guns from all trans people, should we take guns from anti-vaxxers when one kills a police officer?” Others argued that guns, not trans people, are the real problem. “Children aren’t dying because someone is trans. They’re dying because guns are too easy to get and mental health crises go unchecked,” said one advocate.

Twitter User @leftcoastbabe:
“So a trans person shoots kids in school and the GOP wants to take guns away from all trans people. An anti-vaxxer tries to shoot employees at the CDC building and kills a police officer. By that logic, shouldn’t we take guns away from all anti-vaxxers?” (@leftcoastbabe / x.com)

Twitter User @Mellyfax:
“Children aren’t dying because someone is trans. They’re dying because guns are easy to get and mental health crises go unchecked. Blaming trans people is a distraction from real causes.” (@Mellyfax / x.com)

Research shows that most mass shooters are men, with trans individuals making up a tiny fraction. Nearly 98% of mass shootings are carried out by men, and only 0.11% by trans people. Gun control advocates argue that the focus should be on enacting common-sense gun laws, not banning specific groups.

GLAAD spokesperson:
“98% of mass shootings are carried out by men. Only 0.11% are by trans people. Preventing trans people from owning guns won’t end mass shootings—common-sense gun laws will.” (GLAAD)

In conclusion, instead of targeting a marginalized group, lawmakers should focus on the real causes of gun violence. “Preventing trans people from owning guns won’t stop mass shootings—common-sense gun laws do,” say gun safety advocates.