Trump's DOJ Targets Trans Community: Proposed Ban on Gun Ownership Sparks Fears of Eroded Self-Defense Rights

Trump's DOJ Considers Stripping Trans People of Right to Self-Defense In the wake of the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting, the Department of Justice is reportedly considering options to ban trans people from owning guns, sparking widespread concern among LGBTQ+ advocates and constitutional experts. According to sources, senior department officials have dedicated numerous meetings to determining how to strip constitutional rights from an entire category of Americans. The effort has been met with fierce opposition from trans rights activists, who argue that it is a cynical attempt to vilify trans people as a public threat in response to one incident of mass violence linked to a trans perpetrator. "This is a transparent and disturbing attempt to use a tragic event to further marginalize an already vulnerable community," said Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO of GLAAD. "We urge the DOJ to reconsider this misguided approach and instead focus on addressing the root causes of gun violence." The Annunciation Catholic Church shooting, which occurred in August 2025, was a devastating reminder of the ongoing scourge of mass shootings in the United States. The shooter's diary entries revealed a troubled young person immersed in extremist, racist online culture. In response to the tragedy, conservative lawmakers and activists have seized on the fact that the perpetrator was trans as evidence that trans people pose an inherent threat to public safety. However, experts argue that this narrative is both simplistic and misleading. "Research has consistently shown that trans individuals are no more likely to engage in violent behavior than their cisgender counterparts," said Dr. Laura Durso, a leading expert on LGBTQ+ issues at the Center for American Progress. "This attempt to link trans identity with violence is a classic example of 'othering' and serves only to further stigmatize an already marginalized community." The DOJ's consideration of banning trans people from owning guns has sparked outrage among trans rights activists, who point out that such a move would have far-reaching consequences for the LGBTQ+ community. "This is not just about guns; it's about our very existence," said Chase Strangio, Deputy Director of the ACLU's LGBT & HIV Project. "We will fight tooth and nail to protect the constitutional rights of trans people and ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect." As the debate rages on, advocates are urging lawmakers to focus on evidence-based solutions to address gun violence, rather than scapegoating marginalized communities. "The Annunciation Catholic Church shooting was a tragedy that should have led us to come together as a nation to address the root causes of gun violence," said Ellis. "Instead, we're seeing a disturbing trend of using these incidents as an excuse to further marginalize already vulnerable populations." The DOJ has yet to announce any formal plans or proposals related to banning trans people from owning guns. However, advocates are bracing themselves for what they expect will be a long and contentious battle. Background: The Annunciation Catholic Church shooting occurred on August 25, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The shooter's diary entries revealed a troubled young person immersed in extremist, racist online culture. Trans rights activists have long argued that trans people are not inherently violent and should not be subject to discriminatory policies. Additional Perspectives: A spokesperson for the National Rifle Association (NRA) declined to comment on the matter, citing a lack of information. The White House has yet to issue a statement on the DOJ's consideration of banning trans people from owning guns. Current Status and Next Developments: The DOJ is expected to continue its deliberations on the matter in the coming weeks. Advocates are urging lawmakers to focus on evidence-based solutions to address gun violence, rather than scapegoating marginalized communities. *Reporting by Theintercept.*