Gay rights organisations in the US are urging authorities to investigate the murder of a transgender activist as a hate crime.

Terrianne Summers was killed last week at her home in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Human Rights Campaign joined the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and Equality Florida in urging Jacksonville authorities to investigate the murder as a possible hate crime.

According to reports, Summers was shot in the back of the head in her driveway last Wednesday while getting out of her car. Police suspect Summers was the victim of an attempted robbery, but her handbag was not taken from the car. Authorities have not yet identified any suspects.

Summers was a leader in the transgender community. She organised a local protest against the Winn-Dixie supermarket chain in January after an employee was fired for cross-dressing off duty.

"The fact that Summers was shot and not robbed is consistent with many other bias motivated crimes we have seen," said Seth Kilbourn, HRC`s national field director. "It only makes sense that the local authorities consider hate as a possible motive and we urge them to include all possibilities to make sure justice is served."

"Terrianne`s family, friends, and the Jacksonville community deserve to know if this crime is being investigated in a thorough and technically proficient manner," said Jessica Archer, Director of Media and Outreach with Equality Florida. "The Justice for Terrianne Coalition is calling upon the Jacksonville Sheriff`s Office to investigate the murder of Terrianne in a vigorous and professional manner and to maintain open and clear lines of communication with community representatives."