The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly considering proposals to restrict transgender people from purchasing firearms, according to CNN and the New York Post, both citing unnamed sources.
The discussions, described as “preliminary in nature,” follow last week’s mass shooting at a Catholic church in Minnesota that left two children dead and 17 others injured. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the suspect identified as transgender.
A Justice Department spokesperson did not confirm the reported proposals but acknowledged that internal talks are underway. “The DOJ is actively evaluating options to prevent the pattern of violence we have seen from individuals with specific mental health challenges and substance abuse disorders. No specific criminal justice proposals have been advanced at this time,” the spokesperson said.
If advanced, the move would likely spark political backlash. It would pit the Trump administration’s Republican allies, who have long defended expansive gun rights, against efforts to limit firearm access for transgender Americans.
Former President Donald Trump has already signed executive orders restricting transgender rights, including banning their military service and requiring federal identification documents to reflect “immutable biological classification as either male or female.”
Gun Owners of America, a hardline gun rights group, quickly pushed back on the reports. “GOA opposes any & all gun bans. Full stop,” the group posted on social media.
