The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly exploring a controversial proposal to restrict transgender individuals from owning firearms, sparking outrage across political and advocacy groups. Senior officials have held multiple meetings since the August 27, 2025, mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, where the shooter was identified as transgender. The discussions, still in early stages, consider classifying gender dysphoria as a mental health condition that could disqualify individuals from Second Amendment rights.
The proposal follows President Trump’s broader anti-trans policies, including a military service ban. A Justice Department official stated the aim is to prevent violence by “mentally unstable” individuals, but critics argue it unfairly targets a marginalized group. Data shows transgender people, less than 2% of the population, are not disproportionately involved in mass shootings, with only five trans perpetrators among 5,700 incidents since 2013. Conversely, transgender individuals are four times more likely to be victims of violent crime.
Gun rights advocates, including the NRA, and LGBTQ organizations have condemned the idea, warning of constitutional violations and discrimination. Legal experts predict swift court challenges, citing Second Amendment protections and anti-discrimination laws. The American Psychiatric Association emphasizes that being transgender is not a mental illness, further undermining the proposal’s premise.
The discussions, driven partly by conservative media, highlight tensions between public safety and civil rights. No formal rule has been proposed, but the mere consideration has deepened distrust among transgender communities. As the debate unfolds, the Justice Department faces pressure to clarify its stance.
