Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan is facing backlash following a tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The incident, which took place on a Wednesday, left the community shaken and prompted Flanagan to express her condolences on social media.
In her statement, Flanagan said, “My heart goes out to all those affected by the terrifying act of violence at Annunciation Catholic school this morning. I’m grateful to the law enforcement who responded. Please join me in praying for the victims and the families of the Annunciation community.” However, her message was overshadowed by criticism over a t-shirt she wore in the past that read “Protect Trans Kids,” featuring a graphic of a dagger.
The shooter, identified as a 23-year-old transgender male, has drawn attention to a disturbing trend of school shootings involving transgender individuals. This incident follows other tragic events, such as the STEM School shooting in 2019 and the Covenant School shooting in Nashville in 2023.
Critics were quick to respond to Flanagan’s statement, accusing her of being complicit in the violence due to her support for transgender rights and policies. Some comments online suggested that her advocacy contributed to a culture that enabled such acts of violence. One user wrote, “Their blood is on your hands. You gave this death cult sanctuary.”
Flanagan’s previous support for transgender rights includes her involvement in the passage of several bills in Minnesota, such as the Conversion Therapy Ban and the Trans Refuge Bill. In April 2023, she celebrated these legislative achievements, stating that Minnesota is a place where everyone can be safe and live without fear.
Despite these efforts, the shooting has raised questions about school safety in Minnesota. In a letter from April 2023, leaders of independent and Catholic schools in the state urged Governor Tim Walz for increased security funding, highlighting the urgent need for safety measures in light of rising violence in schools. Unfortunately, their requests for funding were not met, even as the state government focused on transgender rights.
As the community mourns and seeks answers, the debate over school safety and the implications of recent policies will likely continue to unfold. Flanagan’s response to the tragedy and the subsequent criticism she faces will be closely watched in the coming days.
