Press secretary addresses ‘gut-wrenching’ death of Nex Benedict from the briefing room
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre began Friday’s press briefing by expressing how “absolutely heartbroken” she was to learn about the death of nonbinary Oklahoma teenager Nex Benedict. “Every young person deserves to feel safe and supported in school,” she said. “Our hearts are with Nex Benedict’s family, friends, entire school community in the wake of this horrific and gut wrenching tragedy.” Jean-Pierre added, “I know that for many LGBTQ+ students across the country this may feel personal and deeply, deeply painful.
There’s always someone you can talk to if you’re going through a hard time and need support.” “The president and his administration launched the 988 line to help, and we have a line dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ young people that can be reached by dialing 933 and pressing 3,” she said. “Through devastating tragedies like these we must support each other and lift one another up.” Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Benedict’s death on Feb.
8, which allegedly came the day after they were attacked in a restroom at Owasso High School, which followed months of bullying from peers.
This week, political leaders including Vice President Kamala Harris, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) and Jean-Pierre issued statements on X, formerly Twitter.
