Newsom Questions Effectiveness of Prayers After School Shooting
Governor Gavin Newsom from California criticized the effectiveness of prayers in light of a recent shooting at a Catholic school in Minnesota. He highlighted that students were “literally praying” when the attack occurred, raising concerns about the response to such tragedies.
In a post on social media, Newsom took aim at White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who had called MSNBC host Jen Psaki “incredibly insensitive and rude.” Newsom stated, “These kids were literally praying when they were shot.” It’s a strong sentiment, echoing a growing frustration with the typical responses following mass shootings.
Following the incident at Minneapolis Announcement Catholic School, Psaki, who has lost two children herself, openly criticized those who resorted to thoughts and prayers without action. She emphasized that such sentiments do not contribute to safety in schools. Her comments reflected a long-standing debate on whether prayers alone are sufficient in the face of recurring tragedies.
During an emotional segment on MSNBC, Psaki reiterated her points, lamenting that many politicians offer little more than prayers as a reaction to such devastating events. “Half of our country’s politicians offer little more than thoughts or prayers,” she stated, underscoring that this has become a familiar pattern. After a shooting, the cycle tends to repeat: thoughts and prayers followed by a shift in focus away from actionable change.
Critics, particularly from Democratic circles, frequently call out their Republican counterparts for insufficient discussions on violence prevention and gun control after such incidents. Leavitt responded to Psaki’s remarks during a press briefing, suggesting that her views were disrespectful to millions of faith-based Americans who believe in the power of prayer during times of mourning.
In another social media post, Newsom continued to challenge the narrative, indicating that while prayer has its place, there must also be efforts to prevent mass shootings. “Well, do both,” he urged, suggesting a dual approach of prayer and proactive measures.
The ongoing debate around the effectiveness of thoughts and prayers continues, highlighting a significant divide on how best to address the recurring issue of gun violence in schools and communities.
