White House Responds to Criticism on Prayer After Minnesota Shooting

On Thursday, the White House cautioned Democrats who opposed the idea of sending “thoughts and prayers” following a tragic shooting in Minnesota that took the lives of two children.

Press Director Caroline Levitt addressed remarks made by former Biden White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat.

“I noted my predecessor’s comments. Honestly, I think many Americans of faith who believe in prayer’s power are often disregarded, which comes off as quite rude,” Levitt stated. She went on to stress the importance of prayer and encouraged others to do the same for the families impacted by this tragedy.

The two children, aged 8 and 10, were fatally shot Wednesday morning at an announcement church in Minneapolis. Seventeen others were injured, encompassing 14 children.

In the aftermath of the shooting, Psaki, who once served as press secretary for Biden and is now a host on MSNBC, expressed her skepticism about prayer, saying, “Prayers aren’t sufficient.” She added that prayer does not prevent school shootings or make parents feel secure sending their kids to school. “Prayer won’t bring these children back,” she noted, suggesting thoughts and prayers don’t suffice in such dire situations.

Frey echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the fact that the shooting occurred while children inside were “literally praying.” He remarked on the profound pain these American families are experiencing, stating, “It’s not just about thoughts or prayers. These kids were literally praying.”

While many Democrats are pushing for stricter gun laws to address recurrent mass shootings in the U.S., Republicans tend to reject the notion that gun laws contribute to the issue, opting instead for increased school security measures and focusing on mental health factors related to shooters.