Stephen King Attributes Minneapolis School Shooting to Guns, Not Identity

On August 27, 2025, a tragic shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to 17 others. The assailant, identified as Robin Westman, a 23-year-old man who identified as transgender, opened fire during a morning Mass, creating chaos and fear in a place meant for prayer and reflection.

In the aftermath, acclaimed author Stephen King took to social media platform X to share his perspective. He emphasized that the focus should be on gun control rather than the shooter’s identity. King responded to a post by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, stating, “Whether he was transgender is beside the point. The point is he had a gun.” This statement sparked a broader discussion about the role of firearms in violent incidents, particularly in schools.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem had previously shared information about the shooter, referring to Westman as “a 23-year-old man, claiming to be transgender.” She expressed her outrage over the attack, labeling the shooter a “deranged monster” who targeted vulnerable children. Noem’s remarks included details about the disturbing messages Westman had inscribed on a rifle magazine, including the phrases “For the Children” and “Kill Donald Trump.”

The tragedy has reignited the debate surrounding gun control and mental health in the United States. While King focused on the weapon as the primary issue, many social media users reacted to his comments with criticism. Some argued that mental health and identity issues cannot be ignored in discussions about such violent acts. One user remarked, “He was mentally ill and had a gun. Had he been diagnosed he wouldn’t have had a gun,” while another pointedly stated, “The gun didn’t walk into a Christian school on its own. A trans-identified man did.”

Public discourse has also highlighted that there have been other mass shootings involving individuals who identified as transgender. Notable incidents include the STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting in 2019 and the Covenant School shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2023. These events have led to increased scrutiny over the intersection of identity, mental health, and violence.

In his writings, Westman expressed regret about his identity, stating he felt “tired of being trans” and had “brain-washed” himself. His journal included alarming references to violence, including thoughts of assassinating former President Donald Trump and harming children. Such revelations have intensified calls for a comprehensive dialogue on mental health support and gun safety measures.

The Minneapolis shooting has left the community mourning the loss of two young lives—a tragic reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding gun violence in schools. As discussions continue, advocates on all sides of the issue are urged to engage in meaningful conversations about preventing such tragedies in the future.