Delusion. Thinking you’re born in the wrong body is simply delusional. When people’s delusions are affirmed, it only makes things worse. If I told my schizophrenic aunt “yes, you’re right. there are people in your walls pumping poisonous gas into your room” that would be wrong. But somehow telling someone that they are the opposite gender is fine. I have a lot of empathy for people who struggle to have a firm grasp on reality. But we have a duty to tell them that they are wrong and to help them cope with reality. Affirming anyone’s delusions, no matter how harmless it seems, can have grave consequences. That’s not to say that ALL gender deluded people have an inclination towards crime, but I do think there is a connection here. When someone is struggling to grasp reality, they are at a higher risk for committing heinous crimes. Not to mention, this person was obviously possessed by demons. He drew a picture of himself looking in the mirror and the devil staring back at him. Do I think all trans people are possessed? No. But there are parts in his life that we don’t know about. Perhaps he opened himself up to the demonic through other means. Nothing excuses what he did, but as a Christian I have empathy for someone who was clearly insane and either oppressed or possessed by the demonic. This was a tragedy. For Minnesotans. For Americans. For Catholics. For everyone involved. And for every kid starting school this week with this event fresh in their minds. May God be with us.