Social Media Backlash Against NBC News Statement on Minneapolis Shooter
In the wake of a tragic shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic Church, families of the victims may find it somewhat reassuring—perhaps frustratingly so—that NBC News has taken extra steps to avoid “misgendering” the shooter.
According to authorities, 23-year-old Robin Westman prayed in the Announcement Catholic Church before taking the lives of two individuals and injuring 17 others, including children.
“The children were slaughtered… But NBC has verified that the pronouns are correct,” one observer noted. This acknowledgment followed Westman’s own identification as a transgender individual, with a message left behind that hinted at potential motivations for the horrific act. In one post, Westman even expressed regret about being transgender.
NBC News was compelled to issue a correction, admitting to using male pronouns for Westman in earlier reports. “In previous versions of this article, female pronouns were incorrectly used,” the outlet stated.
Much of the commentary on social media has criticized NBC, suggesting that the network seemed more focused on pronoun accuracy than the troubling reality that unfolded. “The children were slaughtered. Catholics were targeted. Yet NBC confirmed that the pronouns were correct,” tweeted communication strategist Erika Knight.
“It’s baffling how the media seems more concerned about these issues. People could easily be turned off by such coverage,” commented another user.
One user added, “In a premeditated manner, this individual hunted down children and opened fire. Is NBC worried about pronouns, though? What about NBC’s own priorities?”
Related: Catholic schools appealed to Tim Walz for enhanced security before this horrifying massacre—no action was taken.
Another detractor remarked, “It’s troubling when the media feels the need to correct the pronouns of someone who committed such heinous acts against innocent children.”
Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. indicated that investigators aim to ascertain whether any drug use by the shooter contributed to the motive behind the violent attack.
