Joey Mannarino, a well-known right-wing commentator, recently sparked outrage with his comments following a tragic mass shooting in Minneapolis. The horrifying incident, which took place at a school event held at Church Of The Annunciation in Windom, left two children dead and injured 18 others.
The shooter was identified as Robin Westman, a 23-year-old reportedly transgender, who died by suicide after carrying out this senseless act. As authorities dig deeper, they're treating this as both an instance domestic terrorism and a hate crime against Catholics.
Joey Mannarino's inflammatory remarks
On August 27, Mannarino, who often engages with conservative groups in both America and Europe, made waves on social media with a string explosive statements. He shockingly suggested that transgender individuals should be detained "for national security" reasons. He even called on Health and Human Services Department break HIPAA laws so law enforcement could get info on transgender people and detain them immediately.
Mannarino's words echoed troubling historical rhetoric, demanding transgender people be "locked away and studied." He went further, calling on sweeping federal measures against those who support gender transitions, saying they should be barred from practicing medicine.
Pushing extreme actions on transgender individuals
In his continued online barrage, Mannarino veered away from gun control, advocating instead what he termed "transgender control." He argued that transgender individuals should be stripped their Second Amendment rights and labeled transgender identity a "dangerous mental illness," offering no basis his claims.
Further, he wanted laws calling transgenderism a mental illness requiring inpatient treatment and harsh punishments medical professionals involved in gender-affirming care. His suggestions included jailing surgeons performing these surgeries and revoking licenses from those offering puberty blockers.
Debunking myths with facts
Despite Mannarino's assertions, data tells a different story. According The Violence Project, cisgender men have been responsible 97% mass shootings in U.S. since 1966. Given that transgender people make up only about 0.6% U.S. population, their involvement in such incidents statistically minuscule. A Washington Post analysis suggests they would account just one mass shooting based on their numbers.
In addition, Gun Violence Archive guidelines note that transgender individuals would need have committed at least 16 mass shootings since 2018. However, conservative sources have only pointed three possible cases.
Local leaders' response in Minneapolis
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey responded this tragedy with a call compassion and humanity. At a press conference, he addressed hateful remarks targeted at transgender community, urging people not exploit this tragedy vilify marginalized groups. "Anyone using this...as chance villainize our trans community, or any community, has completely lost touch with common humanity," he expressed.
This painful event and ensuing rhetoric spotlight ongoing struggles transgender community faces amidst misinformation and prejudice. It's critical we stand up truth and equality, fight harmful stereotypes, and ensure everyone's safety and dignity.
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