DUBLIN, Ireland — Rosie O’Donnell is facing backlash after incorrectly labeling a transgender individual involved in a tragic school shooting as a supporter of former President Donald Trump. The former talk show host made her claims during a social media tirade that quickly drew widespread condemnation.
The incident arose following an August shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, where Robin Westman, a 23-year-old individual, allegedly killed two children and injured 18 others. O’Donnell suggested in a TikTok video that Westman was a “Republican, MAGA person, white supremacist,” framing the act as part of a broader narrative she tied to right-wing extremism.
After her initial comments, O’Donnell faced intense criticism as facts surrounding the shooter emerged. Subsequent investigations revealed Westman had scrawled “Kill Donald Trump” on one of the magazines he carried, raising questions about O’Donnell’s assertions. Acknowledging her error, O’Donnell posted an apology on TikTok, stating, “I did not do my due diligence before I made that emotional statement.”
Supporting her admission, she conceded, “I said things about the shooter that were incorrect. I assumed, like most shooters, they followed a standard MO.” In her apology, she emphasized the need to take responsibility when one makes a mistake, expressing hope that her message would be sufficient for those she upset.
Despite her retraction, O’Donnell continued to frame the shooting within her original narrative, linking the tragedy back to the broader issue of gun violence in America. She lamented the influence of the National Rifle Association, describing it as a “terrorist organization” that compromises the safety of children.
Westman, who identified as a transgender woman, reportedly had a troubled history, including a preoccupation with other mass shootings and personal struggles with gender identity. Investigators and media outlets found no credible ties connecting Westman’s actions to any political faction, including far-right or white supremacist groups.
O’Donnell’s outburst also included personal sentiments about Trump, suggesting his health was deteriorating and that he might be seeking redemption. Her comments reflect a broader societal discussion sparked by this incident, reigniting conversations about gun control, mental health, and the political implications of violent acts.
Having relocated to Dublin in early January, O’Donnell has been public about her life away from the United States. She and her child, who are in the process of acquiring Irish citizenship, have expressed a desire to escape the political tumult back home.
This incident highlights the potent mix of tragedy and misinformation in today’s media landscape, underscoring the critical need for careful fact-checking in public discourse, especially from influential figures. With tensions surrounding gun violence and political affiliations continuing to rise, O’Donnell’s missteps serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with the platform she holds.