Perry, Iowa – Influential right-wing figures, including Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr., have been accused of spreading misinformation about a recent school shooting in the wake of the tragic incident at Perry High School. This comes after a 17-year-old former student, Dylan Butler, opened fire on students returning from their Christmas break, resulting in the death of a sixth grade student and injuries to several others, including staff members and students. The shooter was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and authorities are investigating the motive for the attack.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety identified the middle school student who was killed as Ahmir Jolliff, and the shooter as Dylan Butler. However, authorities have not publicly commented on Butler’s sexuality or gender identity. Despite this, influential conservative figures such as Musk and Trump Jr. have been accused of spreading conspiracy theories and misinformation, suggesting that the shooter was LGBTQ+ and insinuating that trans people pose a higher risk of danger to others.
In addition to spreading misinformation, figures such as Libs of TikTok have been accused of linking several mass shooters to the LGBTQ+ community, claims that have either been disproven or remain unconfirmed. This has led to increased threats directed towards schools and hospitals providing gender-affirming healthcare for trans youth. Riley Gaines, an American former competitive swimmer, also joined the spread of misinformation, alleging that trans people and allies are “lashing out” due to the perception of being victims of genocide.
Despite these claims, there is no solid evidence to support the right-wing narrative that shootings perpetrated by trans people are on the rise. According to data from the CDC’s Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System and Youth Risk Behavior Survey, trans people comprise about 0.5% of the US population, and men make up 97% of mass public shooters. Therefore, the allegations and conspiracy theories being spread by these influential figures remain unverified and lack substantial evidence to support them.
In conclusion, influential right-wing figures, including Musk, Trump Jr., and others, have been accused of spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories following the tragedy at Perry High School. Despite attempts to link the shooting to the LGBTQ+ community, there is little evidence to support these claims, and the focus should remain on the victims and the investigation into the shooter’s motive.