Rosie O’Donnell Apologizes for Mislabeling Minneapolis Shooter as MAGA Supporter
Rosie O’Donnell Apologizes for False Claims Linking Minneapolis School Shooter to Political Extremism
Rosie O’Donnell has issued a public apology after falsely claiming that the transgender shooter at a Minneapolis Catholic school was a supporter of the MAGA movement. Previously, the actress and outspoken critic of Donald Trump suggested in a TikTok video that Robin Westman, the 23-year-old responsible for killing two children and injuring 18 others, was a white supremacist and Republican supporter.
Recognizing her mistake, O’Donnell addressed her followers, saying, “I did not do my due diligence before making an emotional statement,” and admitted her errors. She clarified that her assumptions about the shooter fitting a typical MO were incorrect, and she apologized for spreading misinformation.
The truth emerged that the shooter, Robin Westman, left behind writings and a manifesto expressing despair over gender identity, and scribbled “Kill Donald Trump” on one of his magazines. Law enforcement officials confirmed that Westman had no ties to the Republican Party or white supremacist groups.
In her remarks, O’Donnell also criticized America’s gun culture and political landscape, calling the NRA a terrorist organization and questioning when the nation would say enough is enough. Despite her initial claims, Westman was identified as a self-described transgender woman with nihilistic tendencies and a fixation on past mass shootings.
Additionally, Westman left a final video message and handwritten pages indicating that he had been “plotting for so long” and expressed hostility towards the victims. He also made statements reflecting personal struggles with gender identity.
Authorities have found no links connecting Westman to political groups or extremist organizations, and have emphasized that the investigation shows no evidence of ideological motives. O’Donnell, who has been living in Ireland since moving there after Trump’s election, also commented on Trump’s health and mortality, suggesting he is not doing well and questioning his spiritual state.
Since relocating to Howth, Ireland, with her non-binary, autistic 12-year-old, O’Donnell has been active in sharing her views, including her frustrations with American politics and her efforts to obtain Irish citizenship for her family.
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