Following the tragic mass shooting in Philadelphia, city officials have confirmed that the suspected perpetrator, Kimbrady Carricker, does not identify as transgender. This clarification comes in response to circulating online photos appearing to show Carricker wearing women's clothing, which fueled speculation and misinformation, particularly from some conservative commentators.

Asa Khalif, a member of the Philadelphia DA's LGBTQ advisory committee, criticized what he termed the "harmful rhetoric" spread by certain media outlets regarding Carricker's gender identity. Khalif emphasized that Carricker identifies as male and condemned the "irresponsible and dangerous" language used, which he believes unfairly targets transgender individuals, especially trans women of color.

Philadelphia officials clarified that the alleged attacker in Monday's mass shooting does not identify as transgender. (AP)

Police investigate the scene of the mass shooting in Philadelphia. (Yong Kim/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)

While some public figures, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, shared the photos and made assumptions about Carricker's gender identity, Khalif reiterated that Carricker has not publicly identified as transgender. He expressed concern that these assumptions are being used to promote harmful narratives against the transgender community.

Khalif did not elaborate on the reasons behind Carricker's photos in women's clothing, focusing solely on Carricker's stated male identity. The Philadelphia DA's office has not yet responded to requests for clarification on pronoun usage.

District Attorney Larry Krasner speaks to the community after the mass shooting. (Reuters/Bastiaan Slabbers)

District Attorney Larry Krasner detailed Carricker's preparedness for the attack, including an AR-15 style rifle, a handgun, a police scanner, and body armor. Despite this, Krasner described the shooting as a "random, premeditated act of violence" carried out with an assault rifle.

The victims of this tragedy have been identified as Daujan Brown (15), Joseph Wamah, Jr. (31), Lashyd Merritt (20), Dymir Stanton (29), and Ralph Moralis (59). Several children were also injured, including a two-year-old who suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the legs.