On Friday, a Democratic congressman from Maryland rebuked a reporter who asked about the transgender identity of a teenager accused of planning a school shooting.
Montgomery County Executive Mark Elrich looked visibly irritated as he answered questions about Andrea Yeh, also known as Alex. Ye, 18, is accused of planning mass shootings at Thomas Wootton High School and his former elementary school.
He outlined his purported plans in a 129-page manifesto. At Friday’s press conference, Erlich was asked whether authorities were hesitant to reveal Ye’s transgender status.
Maryland teen allegedly planned school shooting with 129-page manifesto featuring transgender characters
Montgomery County Executive Mark Elrich slammed reporters who questioned the transgender identity of Andres Yeh, the man accused of planning mass shootings at high schools and elementary schools. (Montgomery County Police Department)
“Why is the county unwilling to acknowledge that this person is transgender?” the reporter asked. “This is the fourth time something like this has happened in very recent times,” he said of the mass shooting by suspects who identify as transgender.
“Because it’s not a lead,” Elrich replied. “Every time someone is murdered, how do you announce that it’s a straight, white, Christian man? No, you’re not, you’re not. These are the crimes that are committed. “You never disclose someone’s sexual orientation when talking about them.” ”
The front of Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland. (Google Maps)
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“I don’t understand why they would focus on being transgender. It’s not a news story. Being transgender is not a crime. It’s unfortunate that you feel that way,” he added. .
As Mr. Erlich left the podium, the reporter replied, “That’s not what I said.”
Yeh was arrested on Wednesday and charged with threatening gang violence. He is said to have written that he would rather be a serial killer than a mass murderer because serial killers are glorified. Authorities said Thursday that Ye tried to shoot up the elementary school because “small children are easy targets.”
A tipster reported his post to authorities, and an investigation was launched by local and state law enforcement.
