The Department of Justice is quietly weighing a series of controversial proposals that could lead to transgender Americans being blocked from legally buying firearms, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions.
The conversations began following a deadly mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, where the attacker — 23-year-old Robin Westman, who identified as a trans woman — opened fire during a back-to-school Mass. Two children were killed. More than a dozen others were injured. Westman later died by suicide at the scene.
In the days since the tragedy, officials inside the Justice Department have been in talks about how to prevent similar attacks. And one option reportedly under discussion would involve classifying transgender identity as a mental health condition — something that, under current law, could disqualify individuals from legally owning a gun.
Sources say some DOJ officials believe such a move could be supported by legal precedent, especially in light of the Trump administration’s earlier policy barring transgender individuals from serving in the military. That ban, rolled out during Trump’s first term, cited mental health risks as a key concern.
BREAKING – The DOJ is considering banning transgender individuals from owning firearms under federal law that prohibits anyone deemed mentally ill from possessing guns, with the Office of Legal Counsel reviewing whether gender dysphoria qualifies. pic.twitter.com/7w2V9ECecy
— therealstateofamerica (@stateofamerica1) September 5, 2025
No decisions have been made, and any move in this direction would face strong legal challenges. But even the consideration of such a sweeping policy has already ignited debate behind closed doors — and across the country.
At the center of the storm is the Catholic school shooting itself, which has raised difficult questions and triggered waves of public grief. Students had just returned to Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis when gunfire broke out during a celebratory Mass. Security footage showed the shooter, Westman, firing through stained glass windows.
Handwritten messages found at the scene included disturbing phrases like “Kill Donald Trump” and “for the children.” Westman had legally purchased the weapons, according to reports. One of those purchases was reportedly caught on surveillance video at a gun store in nearby St. Louis Park, where the suspect can be seen smiling while testing the firearm.
Westman’s mother reportedly worked at the school, though her role and any connection to the shooting remain unclear. A manifesto was also posted online, though officials have not released the full contents.
Conservative commentators and lawmakers have pointed to the case as part of a broader argument about what they call the “dangerous consequences” of ignoring mental health concerns in policy debates surrounding gender identity.
Still, any attempt to single out transgender people for a firearms ban would face major obstacles. Federal law currently requires a judge’s ruling to classify someone as mentally “defective” — a designation that removes their legal ability to own guns.
A blanket policy targeting transgender Americans would almost certainly face constitutional challenges. Second Amendment advocates, civil rights groups, and medical organizations would likely respond quickly in court.
It’s almost like guns aren’t the problem. Oh and Madison, WI shooter last year was trans as well. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/MT3wMMfvoG
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) August 28, 2025
Yet the Justice Department says it’s keeping the door open.
The DOJ stated that “a range of options” remains under consideration. The department, now led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, is looking at ways to “prevent mentally unstable individuals from committing acts of violence, especially at schools.”
Bondi has a history of supporting certain gun restrictions. During her time as Florida’s attorney general, she defended the state’s decision to raise the minimum age for gun purchases after the Parkland school shooting. She has also recently sent out subpoenas to doctors and clinics that provide transgender treatments to minors.
SHOULD WE BAN TRANS FROM PURCHASING GUNS?@RinainDC weighs in with @ericbolling. pic.twitter.com/CeYLYvygnS
— Real America’s Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) September 4, 2025
Whether Bondi will push forward with the proposals being discussed remains unknown. But for now, the debate is heating up, with strong opinions forming on both sides — and many Americans watching to see what happens next.
