Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) has criticized White House official Sebastian Gorka for his remarks following the shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, suggesting that Gorka is trying to escape from reality.
Gorka, who is involved in counterterrorism under President Trump, pointed to an “ideological” agenda behind the actions of the shooter, claiming it was related to a recent CNN discussion about the union status of Catholic schools.
According to Gorka, the shooting fits the definition of terrorism due to the shooter’s manifesto, which included anti-Semitic sentiments and the phrase “Kill Donald Trump” in one of the weapon’s magazines.
In another comment, White House representatives said the attack, carried out by a shooter expressing exhaustion and confusion about gender identity, was part of a broader, troubling trend involving mass shootings and issues of gender identity.
“In recent years, we’ve seen a pattern of major shootings linked to individuals with trans identities or those grappling with gender issues,” Gorka claimed, calling attention to the financial burden this trend poses.
He emphasized that the focus shouldn’t just be on personal sexual differences; rather, it should highlight the alarming trend of violence that accompanies it.
Some critics have also noted that notable mass shootings in recent years involved transgender or non-binary shooters.
For instance, the 2023 Nashville Abbey School shooting resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including three nine-year-old transgender students.
In 2022, a shooting at a gay bar in Colorado Springs claimed five lives and left 20 injured, with the shooter reportedly identifying as non-binary, as mentioned by their legal representative.
Moreover, a transgender individual was involved in a 2019 shooting at a high school near Denver, as well as a 2018 incident at a distribution center in Maryland.
Omar, appearing on CNN shortly after Gorka, accused the White House of enabling destructive narratives around the shooter’s gender identity.
She expressed disappointment with Gorka’s attitude, stating, “It’s really unfortunate to have someone like him speak on this issue.”
Omar described Gorka’s conversation as an attempt to “deflect,” rather than genuinely address how to mitigate mass shootings.
She remarked that while Gorka mentions the shooter’s transgender identity, he seems to downplay its significance.
“These individuals are everywhere; they are diverging from reality,” Omar stated, reflecting on the tragedy where innocent lives were lost in prayer at the school.
Omar believes this isn’t the time for blame-shifting but rather for advocating for restrictions on assault weapons and improved mental health resources in light of these violent acts.
When asked whether the shooter’s transgender identity warranted investigation as a motive, Omar emphasized the need to examine all aspects. “It’s vital to understand every factor to prevent future, senseless deaths,” she concluded.
