The White House reportedly sharply rebuked Democrats on Thursday after prominent figures on the left dismissed the offering of “thoughts and prayers” in the aftermath of a church shooting in Minneapolis that left two young children dead and more than a dozen others injured.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt, speaking from the podium, called remarks from former Biden White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey “insensitive and disrespectful” to millions of Americans of faith.
“I saw the comments of my predecessor, Ms. Psaki, and frankly I think they’re incredibly insensitive and disrespectful to the tens of millions of Americans of faith across this country who believe in the power of prayer, who believe that prayer works,” Ms. Leavitt said. “It’s utterly disrespectful to deride the power of prayer in this country,” she added, urging Psaki and others to join in prayer for the families suffering in Minnesota.
The shooting unfolded Wednesday morning at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, where two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed. Seventeen others, including 14 children, were wounded.
In the wake of the tragedy, Psaki, who now hosts a program on MSNBC, dismissed prayers as meaningless. “Prayer is not freaking enough,” she wrote on X. “Prayers does not end school shootings. prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school. Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers.”
Mayor Frey echoed the sentiment, suggesting that expressions of faith were hollow given the circumstances. “These were American families, and the amount of pain that they are suffering right now is extraordinary,” Mr. Frey said. “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying.”
The remarks drew swift reaction from Republicans, who argued that Democrats’ attacks on prayer reveal a deep cultural divide. For the White House, the issue was not policy but respect for a practice cherished by millions of families across the country.
Many Democrats have renewed their calls for stricter gun control laws following the shooting, a familiar refrain in the aftermath of mass violence. But Republicans have consistently pushed back, pointing instead to broader issues of mental health and the need for stronger security at schools and community gathering places.
The dispute over prayer illustrates a broader cultural clash: whether moments of national mourning should serve primarily as a platform for political debate or as a time for faith and reflection. For conservatives, Psaki’s message was yet another example of progressive disdain for religion in public life.
Ms. Leavitt framed the matter simply: “I would encourage Ms. Psaki and others to pray for the affected families in Minnesota.”
For grieving families, those prayers may be the first step toward healing. For Democrats, however, the episode has become another rallying cry for legislative action. And for the White House, the controversy underscored what it sees as a troubling readiness among some on the left to dismiss faith in moments of tragedy.
[READ MORE: Gunman in Minneapolis Attack on Catholic School Identified]
About Post Author
