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The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly exploring early-stage proposals that could restrict transgender individuals from purchasing firearms, according to multiple media outlets.
CNN, citing unnamed sources, described the discussions as “preliminary in nature” and linked them to the recent mass shooting at a Catholic church in Minnesota. The attack left two children dead and 17 others injured. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem later confirmed that the suspected shooter identified as transgender.
The New York Post also reported on similar internal discussions, again citing anonymous sources.
In response to the reports, a Justice Department spokesperson issued a statement saying:
“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.”
The reported internal talks, if confirmed, would likely spark significant political controversy, potentially setting up a conflict between the Republican Party’s traditional support for gun rights and efforts by the Trump administration to limit certain rights of transgender Americans.
During his presidency, Donald Trump signed executive orders that banned transgender people from serving in the U.S. military and mandated that federal identification documents reflect a person’s “immutable biological classification as either male or female.”
Gun rights advocacy groups have already pushed back. In response to CNN’s report, Gun Owners of America (GOA) posted on social media:
“GOA opposes any & all gun bans. Full stop.”
At this stage, no official policy or legislative proposal has been announced.
