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Fact Check: Yes, Minnesota's Lt. Gov. Did Wear Shirt Encouraging Violence on Behalf of So-Called Transgender Kids

By Randy DeSoto August 28, 2025 at 1:59pm

Democratic Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan received praise from LGBT supporters when, in 2023, she wore a black T-shirt featuring a knife on it, which said, “Protect Trans Kids.”

Wearing such a shirt, essentially advocating violence, seems an instance of particularly bad judgment, in light of the Wednesday mass shooting by 23-year-old Robin Westman, formerly known as Robert Westman. He changed his name in 2019 after he began identifying as a woman.

Westman shot and killed an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old student at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. He injured 17 others.

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Randy DeSoto

Contributing Journalist

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

Randy DeSoto has written more than 4,000 articles for The Western Journal since he began with the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."

@RandyDeSoto

Randy DeSoto wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.

Birthplace

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Nationality

American

Honors/Awards

Graduated dean's list from West Point

Education

United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law

Books Written

We Hold These Truths

Professional Memberships

Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars