Mayor Critiques “Thoughts and Prayers” After School Shooting

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed frustration with those offering “thoughts and prayers” for the victims of a recent shooting at a Catholic school. On Wednesday, a gunman took the lives of two children, aged 8 and 10, and injured 17 others during a church service.

At a press conference, Frey, who was present in the church during the attack, stated that this was not the appropriate moment for such sentiments. “I shouldn’t be saying this is just about thoughts and prayers. These kids were literally praying. It’s the first week of school, and we were in church,” he remarked. He emphasized that children should enjoy their time at school and in the playground without fearing violence.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara reported that 14 of the injured were children, with two in critical condition. The shooter, reportedly in his early 20s, took his own life following the incident.

As O’Hara noted, the children were participating in a large service when the shooting occurred. “Our hearts are broken for the families that have lost their children,” O’Hara stated. He continued, expressing sorrow for the young lives fighting for recovery and the community as a whole, which is devastated by this attack.

During the attack, the gunman reportedly fired through a window while children and teachers were gathered, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, which he is believed to have utilized during the assault.

Interestingly, while Frey criticized the notion of praying in this context, he has supported legislation allowing mosques in Minneapolis to broadcast Islamic calls to prayer five times daily, making it the only major city in the United States to do so.