One day after a shooter killed two children and wounded nearly 20 others who were worshipping at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, the tragedy has reignited the gun debate while the administration and many on the right focus on the alleged shooter's gender identity.
Hundreds gathered Thursday night at a vigil to honor the 8-year-old and 10-year-old students who were killed, as well as the 17 others who were wounded when a gunman shot through the windows of the Annunciation Catholic School during Wednesday morning Mass.
The alleged shooter is 23-year-old Robin Westman, who died by suicide after the shooting.
Authorities say Westman, who was born male and named Robert at birth, wrote incendiary messages on the gun magazines, including one that said "Kill Donald Trump."
The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and as a hate crime against Catholics. Search warrants are being carried out at different locations and investigators are combing through Westman's YouTube videos, as well as a written manifesto.
Federal authorities described Westman as transgender.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Westman's identity is among the elements being investigated, alluding to FBI Director Kash Patel's confirmation that Westman was transgender.
"All of the elements are being investigated in the shooting, absolutely, which is part of he reason the FBI director came out and immediately confirmed that aspect of the investigation," Leavitt said.
The White House also said the administration is investigating whether there is a link between "these prescription drugs some of these [transgender] minors may be taking and an increase in violence."
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) warned against a backlash against transgender people.
"Anybody who is using this as an opportunity to villainize trans people has completely lost touch with a common humanity," Frey told MSNBC's Jen Psaki.
Meanwhile, Democrats blamed Republicans for refusing to enact gun control reforms.
Westman's rifle, pistol and shotgun were all legally purchased, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Democrats, including Frey and Psaki — the former White House press secretary under former President Biden — scolded Republicans for offering prayers rather than action.
Vice President Vance defended the axiom "thoughts and prayers," which Democrats have mocked as being useless in the wake of mass shootings.
"It is shocking to me that so many left wing politicians attack the idea of prayer in response to a tragedy," Vance posted on X. "Literally no one thinks prayer is a substitute for action. We pray because our hearts are broken and we believe that God is listening."
Leavitt unloaded on Psaki, her predecessor, at the podium.
"I think they're incredibly insensitive and disrespectful to the tens of millions of Americans of faith across the country who believe in the power of prayer and who believe prayer works," Leavitt said.
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