Mike Johnson blames 'human heart' for mass shootings as he slams Newsom and Jen Psaki

WASHINGTON, DC: House Speaker Mike Johnson sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki over their response to the tragic Minneapolis church shooting.

Johnson, speaking on Fox News on Friday, August 29, said the tragedy should not be politicized and argued that guns are not the problem, but rather the condition of the “human heart.”

Mike Johnson blasts Jen Psaki and Gavin Newsom for 'attacking religion'

Mike Johnson accused both Jen Psaki and Gavin Newsom of belittling religion during moments of national grief.

“It’s incredible to me that Psaki and Newsom, who attack religion and diminish the faith of Americans in time of tragedies,” the Republican said.

He continued, “There are common sense solutions, things done to protect children in schools and churches and to the taking away the constitutional rights of American citizens.”

Johnson stressed that the focus should remain on the victims, saying, “This isn’t a time to politicize these issues. We mourn for the families and community that’s affected. I’m sure you guys saw the father’s remarks yesterday for that little boy who was lost, Fletcher Merkel,” said Johnson.

Mike Johnson says ‘problem is not guns’ after Minneapolis church shooting

Mike Johnson also directly pushed back at Jen Psaki’s comments that prayers were not enough in such situations.

“Such a heart-wrenching thing for all of us. At the end of the day the problem is not guns, okay, Jen Psaki? The human heart, mental health,” Johnson said.

Psaki had earlier written, “Prayer is not freaking enough. 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.”

Newsom also took aim at the “thoughts and prayers” remarks following the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, where eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski were killed and 18 others were injured.

The California governor pointed out that the victims were “literally praying” when the attack happened.

“It should enrage conservatives. Gavin Newsom is ridiculous,” Johnson responded, adding, “I don’t have words to respond to that. I cannot believe that he’s gone that low to get attention, and that’s what this is about.”

Internet pushes back on Mike Johnson’s remarks 

The online reaction was swift, with many social media users criticizing Mike Johnson’s comments.

“Time to make an executive order to make all humans warm hearted - this should solve the gun problem,” one person wrote on X. Another said, “The human heart didn’t fire 30 rounds in 10 seconds, Mike.”

Others questioned his stance on mental health, with one asking, “Then why did your administration cut $11 billion in funding for mental health services?” “The people who think bathrooms are dangerous think guns are okay,” another remarked.

An individual bluntly wrote, “In a country with more guns than people, it’s ALWAYS the guns, and unfettered access to them. None of us are fooled by Johnson’s lies.” Another tweet read, “We’re not worried about guns but vaccines are off limits. Crazy messed up priorities.”

Meanwhile, one user pointed out, “Both mental health and responsible gun policy are key to preventing violence and protecting children.”

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.