Fact check: How many transgender mass shooters have there been in the last ten years

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided suggest that there is no evidence to support the claim that transgender people are more prone to violence or to committing mass shootings ^[1]. In fact, research shows that the majority of mass shootings are perpetrated by men who are not transgender ^[1]. According to a report from the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Association Center, from 2016 to 2020, 96% of attackers were men, 3% women, and 2% transgender ^[2]. Transgender people are more likely to be victims of violence than others ^[1], and data shows that gun violence disproportionately affects Black trans women ^[1]. The narrative that transgender individuals are more likely to commit mass shootings is based on misinformation ^[3]. Mass shootings by transgender individuals are extremely rare ^[4], but there is no way to quantify how rare shootings perpetrated by transgender people are because this information is not collected in crime statistics ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some key context missing from the original statement is the lack of data on the gender identity of mass shooters ^[4], which makes it difficult to determine the exact number of transgender mass shooters. Additionally, the analyses highlight the importance of considering the disproportionate impact of gun violence on transgender individuals, particularly Black trans women ^[1]. Alternative viewpoints include the need to challenge the narrative that transgender individuals are more likely to commit mass shootings, which is based on misinformation ^[3], and to focus on the root causes of gun violence, such as mental health and access to firearms ^[3]. Some sources also emphasize the need for stronger gun safety laws to protect the transgender community ^[1]. The fact that most mass shootings are not carried out by transgender people ^[2] is also an important context to consider.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be based on misinformation and bias ^[3], as it implies a link between being transgender and committing mass shootings. This framing benefits those who seek to promote anti-LGBTQ+ hysteria ^[5], but it harms the transgender community by perpetuating negative stereotypes ^[3]. The lack of data on the gender identity of mass shooters ^[4] makes it difficult to verify the claim, but the available evidence suggests that transgender people are not more prone to violence or mass shootings ^[1]. The narrative that transgender individuals are more likely to commit mass shootings benefits those who seek to restrict the rights of transgender people, but it does not reflect the reality of gun violence in the United States ^[3].