.png)
Several politicians have taken to social media to criticise prayer as a response to the Minneapolis school shooting.
The attack, which took place on 27 August at the Church of the Annunciation in the Windom neighbourhood of Minneapolis during a Mass for the parochial school, left two children aged 8 and 10 dead, and 18 others injured.
In response to the tragedy, various political and religious leaders offered their prayers for the children and the Catholic community. A telegram sent by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on behalf of the Pope, said that “His Holiness prays for the wounded as well as the first responders, medical personnel and clergy who are caring for them and their loved ones”, and imparted the Pope’s Apostolic Blessing.
Similarly, J.D. Vance encouraged his followers on X to join him in “praying for the victims”. Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, wrote: “Our prayers are with the children, families, civilians, law enforcement, and all those impacted by this evil attack.”
However, others were quick to criticise such sentiments. Jacob Frey, the Mayor of Minneapolis, said during a press conference: “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying.”
Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary under the Biden administration, wrote on X: “Prayer is not freaking enough,” adding: “Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers.” Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, also commented: “These children were literally praying as they got shot at.”
In response to the criticism, Karoline Leavitt, the current White House Press Secretary, said: “I saw the comments of 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.”
Despite the controversy, faith communities have responded to the attack with prayer. On the evening of the shooting, over 600 people gathered at the Academy of Holy Angels, another local Catholic school, for a prayer service led by Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota. The Basilica of Saint Mary also held an ecumenical and interfaith prayer service for the Annunciation Catholic Community.
The Archdiocese has established the “Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund” to support the needs of the Church of the Annunciation, the parish school, and those affected by the tragedy.
(Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
