Path to Change in Wake of Tragedy
On Wednesday, CNN’s Dana Bash and Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota commended Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for his strong message to Christians, stating that prayers alone won’t suffice following recent mass shootings at Catholic schools.
The assailant, a 23-year-old named Robin Westman, ended the lives of two children aged 8 and 10 and left 17 others injured after firing through a church window. During a CNN broadcast featuring Klobuchar, Bash emphasized that people no longer needed merely prayers. She remarked, “It’s spine-chilling.”
Klobuchar echoed these sentiments, noting that the children were actually praying at the time of the shooting, emphasizing that thoughts and prayers are inadequate in this situation. “Hearing the mayor say that gave me chills,” she recounted, emphasizing the shared feeling of sadness and, perhaps, a sense of anger over the senseless violence. “These kids were literally praying when they were killed,” Bash added, before showing Frey’s statements.
After the shooting, Frey addressed the press and stated that the children were “literally praying” and required more than just “thoughts and prayers.” He reflected on the tragedy, highlighting that it occurred during the first week of school and in a church setting. “These children should be enjoying playtime and learning without fear of violence, just as their parents should feel secure,” he said.
In a related comment, former White House press secretary Jen Psaki expressed her frustration, stating she had “enough” of prayers as a response to the violence, hinting at a desire for more substantial action to prevent such tragedies.
Westman, who tragically died from a gunshot wound, had used multiple firearms during the incident, including a rifle, shotgun, and a pistol, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara. Sadly, Westman has no significant criminal background, and no motives have been found yet. Among the 17 injured, 14 were children, with seven hospitalized in critical condition.
Klobuchar also referred to the CNN segment, pointing out the issue of “too many guns” in America, advocating for stricter gun legislation to protect the public.
