Trans veteran wrapped in trans flag dies by suicide at VA in Syracuse: report

Authorities are investigating the death of a transgender military veteran who reportedly died by suicide on January 27 at the VA hospital in Syracuse, New York. The veteran, whose identity has not been revealed, was discovered dead in a parking garage draped in a trans flag. The deceased was a patient who had been discharged from the hospital's inpatient psychiatric facility on January 21, according to a report from Syracuse.com.

According to a VA report to government officials, the transgender veteran was found hanging after jumping from the parking garage. The body was seen by several witnesses at Syracuse University, prompting the college to issue a notification to students and faculty. Witnesses confirmed the hanging body was wrapped in a light pink, light blue, and white trans flag.

A VA spokesperson confirmed the death of a veteran in a statement but indicated that officials would not be providing further details out of respect for the veteran's family. The investigation remains ongoing, according to the outlet.

The apparent suicide happened on the same day President Donald Trump's executive order banning new recruits from serving in the United States military if they identify as transgender. It's unclear if the ban is related to the suicide.

On January 27, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness," which states that individuals who suffer from mental and physical health conditions are "incompatible with active duty."

According to the order, "Expressing a false 'gender identity' divergent from an individual's sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service. Beyond the hormonal and surgical medical interventions involved, adoption of a gender identity consistent with an individual's sex conflicts with a soldier's commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in one's personal life.

"A man's assertion that he is a woman, and his requirement that others honor this falsehood, is not consistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member." Additionally, the order pauses all sex change treatments being provided to troops who are currently enlisted.


An earlier version of this story stated that the veteran's death occurred on February 10. The story has been edited to reflect the correct date.