NBC Apologizes For Misgendering Minneapolis School Shooter

A tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church has left a community in shock. On Wednesday, 23-year-old Robin Westman took the lives of two children, Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, and injured over a dozen others before taking their own life. Among the injured were an 11-year-old girl shot in the neck and a 12-year-old girl who underwent surgery to relieve skull swelling. Neighbors and family expressed disbelief, noting they saw no warning signs of violent behavior.

Westman, born male, legally changed their name in 2020 to reflect a female gender identity. Court documents confirmed Westman “identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification.” Personal writings revealed deep regret over transitioning, with Westman stating, “I only keep \[the long hair] because it is pretty much my last shred of being trans. I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brain-washed myself.” Reports also indicate Westman legally acquired multiple firearms in the years leading up to the incident, surprising local residents by the careful planning behind the attack.

NBC initially reported Westman using male pronouns, later updating the story to reflect her female identity with the statement: “A previous version of this article used the wrong pronoun for the shooter. She used female pronouns.” The correction sparked frustration online, with many arguing that the focus on pronouns overshadowed the victims’ suffering. Social media discussions questioned journalistic priorities, debating whether accuracy in language should take precedence over the tragedy itself. Critics emphasized that highlighting the shooter’s pronouns risked diverting attention from the children killed and the families affected.

The incident has prompted a broader conversation about reporting ethics, particularly in covering sensitive and violent events. Officials are reviewing security measures for places of worship and advocating for improved protection of children. Meanwhile, communities across the country continue to grapple with the dual shock of the attack and the media response, raising questions about how best to balance accuracy, sensitivity, and respect for victims in news coverage.

As the public mourns the lives lost and calls for justice, the debate over NBC’s handling of pronouns highlights ongoing tensions between journalistic standards and societal sensitivities in the reporting of tragedies.