The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly exploring proposals to restrict trans people from purchasing firearms in the United States.
CNN, referencing unnamed sources, characterized discussions on the issue as “preliminary in nature” and noted they were prompted by the recent shooting at a Catholic church in Minnesota, which resulted in two children killed and 17 others injured. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem identified the suspect in the shooting as transgender.
The New York Post, also citing anonymous sources, confirmed that such discussions were taking place.
“The DOJ is actively evaluating options to prevent the pattern of violence we have seen from individuals with specific mental health challenges and substance abuse disorders. No specific criminal justice proposals have been advanced at this time,” a Justice Department spokesperson stated in response to inquiries about the media reports.
These discussions within President Donald Trump’s administration would create a tension between the Republican Party’s longstanding advocacy for gun rights and the administration’s efforts to curtail the rights of transgender Americans.
Trump has previously issued executive orders prohibiting transgender individuals from serving in the military and requiring that government-issued identification documents be based on “an individual’s immutable biological classification as either male or female.”
The Gun Owners of America rights group, in a social media post addressing CNN’s report, declared: “GOA opposes any & all gun bans. Full stop.”
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