CNN, NYT, USA Today Fail To Mention Shooter's Trans Identity

Major news outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, and USA Today, have come under scrutiny for their coverage of the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, where the shooter, identified as Robin Westman, 23, was not described as transgender in initial reports.

The New York Times referred to Westman using various terms such as “the suspect” and “the attacker” without mentioning his transgender identity, which has raised questions about the media’s portrayal of transgender individuals in violent incidents. A name change document revealing Westman’s previous name, Robert Paul Westman, has circulated online, prompting discussions about the implications of gender identity in reporting.

In a separate article, the Times eventually used female pronouns for Westman, citing the shooter’s preference, but faced criticism for framing the narrative around the shooter’s gender identity while downplaying the violent act itself.

CNN’s coverage also omitted any mention of Westman’s transgender identity. Reporter Chelsea Bailey noted Westman’s background as a graduate of the school but did not address the shooter’s gender identity. CNN anchor Jake Tapper later clarified that Westman identifies as female, emphasizing the importance of using correct pronouns.

USA Today focused on broader themes of safety in houses of worship, neglecting to mention Westman’s transgender identity. The article shifted the narrative towards societal issues surrounding violence in religious spaces, quoting experts on the implications of safety in churches without addressing the specifics of the shooting.

Critics argue that the media’s reluctance to discuss the shooter’s transgender identity reflects a broader trend of avoiding uncomfortable truths about mental health and violence associated with transgender individuals. A 2019 study indicated that a significant percentage of transgender individuals had psychiatric diagnoses, raising questions about the intersection of mental health and gender identity.

While advocates for transgender rights emphasize the need for acceptance and understanding, some commentators have called for a more nuanced discussion about the potential impacts of hormone treatments and mental health issues within the transgender community. They argue that acknowledging these factors is crucial for public safety and understanding the complexities of gender identity.

As the conversation continues, the role of media in shaping narratives around sensitive topics like gender identity and violence remains a critical point of discussion. The coverage of the Minneapolis shooting serves as a case study in how media outlets navigate these complex issues, often leading to public debate about responsibility and representation in journalism.