The social contract theory describes a contract between the state and its citizens where security is guaranteed in exchange for freedom. Masculinist protection theory evolves from this and explains how the contract can be seen as a version of a household situation, where the good man protects his woman from the bad men. The theory describes this connection using gendered descriptions of the situation and those involved. This essay uses the theory of masculinist protection to enlighten how protectors, victims and perpetrators are assigned gendered attributes in the crisis communication about the Swedish gang crisis given by the Swedish government in 2023. Furthermore, the study aims to discuss whether this occurrence may be a sign of a crisis in the state’s own identity as a protector of its citizens. Conclusions show how the use of gendered attributes in this way may enhance underlying norms and ideas about gender.