The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated internal discussions regarding potential limitations on the ability of transgender individuals to purchase firearms, Karoline Leavitt has confirmed.
These discussions are still in the early stages, with no definitive steps being taken at this time.
Leavitt told reporters, "I understand there were very preliminary, low-level discussions about this at the Department of Justice."
The conversation centers around two contentious issues for Republicans: Second Amendment rights and policies affecting transgender individuals.
A source cited by Fox News pointed to a “pattern” of shootings carried out by transgender people, including a recent tragic incident at a Catholic Church in Minnesota.
Robin Westman, formerly known as Robert until 2019, killed two children and injured more than a dozen others before dying by suicide. Westman legally purchased the firearms used in the shooting, as reported by the Associated Press.
A DOJ spokesperson downplayed the talks, telling Fox News that the department is evaluating options to address the link between violence and mental health issues, but no specific proposals have been advanced.
"The DOJ is actively evaluating options to prevent the pattern of violence we have seen from individuals with specific mental health challenges and substance abuse disorders," the spokesperson said. "No specific criminal justice proposals have been advanced at this time."
However, according to one source, DOJ officials are considering ways to prevent individuals with gender dysphoria, especially those with severe mental health issues, from obtaining firearms.
While individuals with mental health conditions are not typically banned from purchasing guns under current laws, exceptions exist, such as when a person is deemed mentally incompetent by a court. In such cases, this information should surface during background checks to block gun purchases.
The discussions have sparked concern among gun rights advocates, with the Firearms Policy Coalition threatening legal action if the DOJ moves forward with such restrictions.
"If the Trump Administration — or any administration — unwisely and immorally chooses to wield the force of government in conflict with the Constitution, federal law, or our values, FPC will take aggressive action to defend the rights of peaceable people," the group said in a statement.
The potential restrictions align with a series of executive actions made by former President Trump, which sought to change policies regarding transgender individuals. These policies included bans on transgender people serving in the military and restrictions on participation in gender-segregated sports.