DUBLIN, Ireland — Rosie O’Donnell has issued a public apology after incorrectly labeling the Minneapolis Catholic school shooter as a supporter of the MAGA movement in a recent TikTok post. In the wake of the tragic incident, O’Donnell, a 63-year-old former talk show host, made a series of statements that drew significant backlash.
During her social media remarks, O’Donnell suggested that the shooter, Robin Westman, was a “Republican, MAGA person, white supremacist” following a shooting that left two children dead and 18 parishioners injured. Her comments came shortly after the attack, which formed the basis for a conspiracy-laden narrative she shared online.
Acknowledging her error, O’Donnell later took to TikTok to clarify her statements. “I know a lot of you were very upset about the video I made,” she stated. “You are right, and I did not do my due diligence before making that emotional statement.” She admitted that she incorrectly assumed the shooter’s motives aligned with typical narratives surrounding gun violence.
The backlash intensified as reporters revealed that Westman, 23, had expressed anti-Trump sentiments, including scribbling “Kill Donald Trump” on a gun magazine. This revelation further contradicted O’Donnell’s claims about the shooter’s political affiliations. Even after this information surfaced, the actress appeared to double down, likening the incident to the Columbine tragedy and reiterating her views on gun violence in America.
“The NRA is a terrorist organization,” she stated in a subsequent video, reflecting on the perceived lack of action surrounding gun control. O’Donnell criticized the cultural values that prioritize firearms over children’s safety, asking, “When is enough, enough America?”
Westman, who identified as a transgender woman, reportedly had a troubled mindset, as indicated by a manifesto and video message left behind that revealed deep struggles with gender identity and violent intentions. Law enforcement and media outlets have found no ties between the shooter and any extremist political groups, despite O’Donnell’s initial assertions.
The fallout from her remarks highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding discussions of gun violence and mental health. As public figures navigate the complexities of these conversations, O’Donnell’s missteps serve as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with raising awareness on such critical issues.
Additionally, O’Donnell has been living in Howth, Ireland, since January with her 12-year-old child, who is non-binary and autistic. This relocation followed her departure from the U.S. amid political tensions.
In recent months, she expressed plans to secure Irish citizenship for herself and her child, reflecting a broader migration trend among those feeling disillusioned by the current political climate in the United States. This context adds a layer of personal stakes to her public commentary on gun violence and societal values.