Karoline Leavitt slams Jen Psaki for disrespecting ‘power of prayer’ after Minneapolis school shooting

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House on Thursday pushed back at Democrats who dismissed the notion of sending “thoughts and prayers” following a tragic shooting in Minneapolis that left two children dead and several others injured.

Notably, following the shooting, some of the Republicans, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, called for prayers in memory of the children shortly after the tragic incident that claimed the lives of two children.

Karoline Leavitt defends faith and prayer after Minneapolis shooting

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt directly responded to comments from former Biden White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who both criticized such responses, saying they failed to keep children safe.

“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,” Leavitt said during a White House briefing.

“It’s utterly disrespectful to deride the power of prayer in this country,” Leavitt added, urging Psaki and others to pray for the families affected by the violence in Minnesota.

The shooting took place on Wednesday morning at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis. Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed, and 17 others were injured, including 14 children, authorities said.

Jen Psaki says ‘prayer is not freaking enough’ after deadly attack

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Jen Psaki, now an MSNBC host, posted on X that prayer “is not freaking enough.”

“Prayers does not end school shootings. prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school,” Psaki wrote. “Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers.”

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed grief over the attack, saying it occurred while the children were already praying inside the church.

“These were American families, and the amount of pain that they are suffering right now is extraordinary,” Frey said Wednesday.

“Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying," he said.

Democrats renewed calls for stronger laws after the shooting, while Republicans pointed to mental health issues and called for tighter security in schools.

Internet supports stricter laws to prevent shootings

Reactions on the internet showed frustration with the debate. “With all due respect, they were praying when it happened,” wrote one user on X.

“No wonder Trump doesn’t want to help gun control,” another commented.

“How does prayer work if they were shot while praying?” asked one user. “We don't care that they are praying... We care that the only thing they are doing is praying...,” another wrote.

“This is an incredibly tone def talking point,” read one more comment.

“The kids were praying in church ... Didn't stop anything. Time for gun laws,” added another user.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.