Jen Psaki Criticizes Thoughts and Prayers After Shooting Tragedy

On Wednesday, former White House press secretary Jen Psaki expressed her disappointment in the response of Christians following a tragic shooting incident. A gunman opened fire through a window at a Catholic church, resulting in the deaths of two young children, ages 8 and 10, and injuring 17 others.

After the incident, Psaki took to X to voice her opinion that “prayer” alone is inadequate to prevent such violence. She stated, “Prayers don’t go crazy enough, prayers don’t end school shootings. [P]rayers don’t make parents feel like they can send their children to school. Prayer will not bring these children back. Thinking and prayer are enough.” Her comments sparked conversations about the effectiveness of thoughts and prayers in the aftermath of violence.

Many Democrats echoed similar sentiments during discussions about the shooting, suggesting that mere thoughts and prayers are insufficient for preventing these tragic events. Notably, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey urged people not to pray for the victims, emphasizing that the children involved had already been praying during the incident, as it occurred on the first week of school.

Frey remarked at a press conference, “I shouldn’t say this is about thoughts and prayers now. These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school and we were in church.”

Senator Amy Klobuchar also supported Frey’s view, stating that, “Thinking and prayer are not sufficient.” The suspect in the shooting was later identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who reportedly died from self-inflicted injuries behind the church after the event. He was armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, and authorities have not yet determined his motives.

According to Police Chief Brian O’Hara, several of the victims arrived at the hospital in critical condition, with a significant number being children.