Tragedy unfolded in Minniapolis, Minnisota as a deranged gunman opened fire during Mass at a Catholic School, killing two children and injuring seventeen others. Killer Robin Westman then committed suicide at the scene, leaving behind a legacy of brutality and violence but precious few answers.
The twenty-three-year-old transgender individual carried out the disgusting firearm attack with magazines that were marked ‘kill Donald Trump,’ and the manifesto he left behind indicated that he both regrated his gender transition and hated the current government of the United States. His weaponry also contained racist and anti-Semitic messaging, with his manifesto containing extensive references to the killing of Israelis and the ‘free Palestine’ movement.
The event features more than a few similarities to a shooting that occurred in Nashville TN in spring of 2023, also at a Christian School. A transgender gunmen opened fire at Covenant Academy, murdering three staff members and three young students. Gunman Aiden Hale was shot and killed by responding police officers. The FBI is investigating the incidents as acts of domestic terror and considers the incident a hate crime against Catholics. While there will obviously be no charges or prosecution, as the shooters are deceased, labelling it as such sends an important message to any potential future copycats.
The issue of mental illness is central to the violence that played out in Minneapolis, and the manner in which the gunman was treated- largely as a minor- is particularly disturbing. Despite extensive evidence of extreme psychological disturbance- including childhood obsessions with school shooters and Adolf Hitler- Westman was evidently allowed to transition and progress with attention being paid only to their gender dysphoria. Had appropriate care been provided, rather than an emphasis placed on transition as a cure-all, it is possible this tragedy could have been avoided. Instead, Westman was repeatedly moved between high schools and lacked critical resources like intensive counseling and medication.
Milania Trump- whose slogan as first lady is ‘Be Best,’ posted on social media about the need for early intervention, and awareness over warning signs of violence. “The tragic mass killing in Minnesota illuminates the need for pre-emptive intervention in identifying potential school shooters… To prevent future tragedies, it is crucial we look into behavioral threat assessments across all levels of society – beginning in our homes, extending through school districts and of course, social media platforms.” The ‘Be Best’ initiative looks to promote wellbeing in children and reduce opioid addiction and negative online behaviors in young people.
What can be done to stop anti-Trump violence within the United States? Can inflammatory pundits and politicians accept some accountability for encouraging mentally ill individuals to commit acts of violence?
Hilary Gunn is a Connecticut native with a degree in Criminal Justice from the George Washington University. She works for a nonprofit and has previously collaborated with the CT GOP as an activist, political campaign manager and field director, and social media organizer. She is currently serving in her fourth term of municipal office and has previously acted as a delegate on the Republican Town Committee.