Backlash Against Minneapolis Mayor After Remarks at Press Conference
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey faced significant criticism on Wednesday following his comments about prayer during a press conference addressing a tragic shooting at a Catholic school.
At the event, Frey commented, “I shouldn’t say this is about thoughts and prayers now. These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in church. These are the kids to learn with friends.”
The shooting occurred Wednesday morning while children attended Mass as part of their first week back at Catholic schools in southern Minneapolis. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the gunman was identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, also known as Robert Westman. Patel confirmed the investigation is treating the incident as “an act of domestic terrorism and hate crimes targeting Catholics.”
The shooter fired into the crowd from a church window, resulting in the deaths of two children, aged 8 and 10, and injuring 14 other children and three adults before taking his own life. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the attack as “evil” and a deliberate act of violence against innocent individuals.
Frey’s remarks quickly sparked outrage on social media. Media analyst Scott Jennings expressed disbelief on X, saying, “The tragedy hit Minneapolis Catholic School today. Mayor @jacob_frey first attacked people of faith for prayer.”
Radio host Bo Snerley criticized the mayor’s comments, calling him a defender of slander against “thoughts and prayers.” Meanwhile, TikTok users shared a video of Frey’s controversial remarks, emphasizing the context of the children praying.
Radio host Dana Roche also criticized Frey’s timing, while former CIA officer Brian Dean Wright suggested the mayor’s words reflect a larger crisis, stating, “We are in a spiritual war with evil in this country, and this man and his leftist movement are a vehicle for very dark powers. This is exactly the time to pray.”
Media personality Michele Tafoya remarked on the hypocrisy of Frey’s comments, recalling his previous emotional response during the George Floyd incident: “Why are people criticizing prayer at this moment? For millions, prayer is the most important and profound thing they can do in the wake of such evil and tragedy. These children prayed.”
Author Bhatia Unger Sargon pointed to chilling details regarding the shooter, while former Georgia Representative Vernon Jones connected Frey’s comments to a broader Democratic narrative.
Journalist Peter J. Hasson commented on the mayor’s inability to comprehend the gravity of his words. Commentator Emily Jasinski added that many, even conservative Christians, might hold different views on policies. Podcaster Nick Solheim suggested that Minnesota has embraced leaders who resist faith.
In response to the shootings, President Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff. FBI Director Patel confirmed the federal investigation is focused on what he categorized as terrorist attacks against the Catholic community.
Meanwhile, Frey reiterated his warning against using the tragedy to incite hate toward the transgender community, asserting that those doing so have “lost a common sense of humanity.”
