Trans Individuals Linked to Disturbing Number of Mass Attacks

Experts warn ignoring mental health concerns in transgender community could have tragic consequences

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A string of recent mass shootings and attacks have involved individuals who identified as transgender, raising concerns about a potential link between gender dysphoria and violence. However, the media and officials have been reluctant to explore this connection, instead focusing on minimizing the shooter's identity and insisting the incidents are mere coincidences. Experts argue this denial of reality and unwillingness to address underlying mental health issues could be putting more lives at risk.

Why it matters

The pattern of transgender individuals being involved in high-profile acts of violence challenges the mainstream narrative that gender identity is a simple matter of self-expression with no deeper psychological implications. Ignoring this connection and failing to provide appropriate mental health support for those struggling with gender dysphoria could have devastating consequences for public safety.

The details

In the latest incident, an 18-year-old biologically male shooter who had begun transitioning six years ago was identified as the perpetrator of a deadly school attack in Canada. Similar cases have occurred in the U.S., including a transgender-identified shooter in Nashville who murdered six people at a Christian school, and another attacker in Minneapolis with documented gender identity issues who targeted a church. However, media outlets and officials have been reluctant to acknowledge any link between the shooters' gender identity struggles and their violent actions, instead insisting the connections are mere coincidence.

  • On February 11, 2026, a deadly school shooting occurred in Canada.
  • In recent years, a number of high-profile mass attacks have involved individuals who identified as transgender.

The players

Jesse Van Rootselaar

An 18-year-old biologically male shooter who began transitioning six years ago and was identified as the perpetrator of a deadly school attack in Canada.

Bethany Mandel

A writer and podcaster who has criticized the media and officials for refusing to acknowledge potential links between gender dysphoria and violence.

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What they’re saying

“Yet the elites go to lengths to avoid any suggestion of a linkage.”

— Bethany Mandel, Writer and Podcaster (nypost.com)

“Silencing doctors who raise concerns does not improve outcomes.”

— Bethany Mandel, Writer and Podcaster (nypost.com)

What’s next

Experts argue that mental health professionals and the public need to be willing to openly discuss the potential connections between gender dysphoria and violence, rather than dismissing or ignoring the issue, in order to develop appropriate interventions and prevent further tragedies.

The takeaway

The reluctance of the media and officials to acknowledge the pattern of transgender individuals being involved in mass attacks, and their unwillingness to explore the potential mental health factors at play, could be putting more lives at risk by preventing the implementation of necessary support and prevention measures.