Former White House Press Secretary and current MSNBC host Jen Psaki ignited a political and cultural firestorm this week after posting strongly worded criticisms of both prayer in response to mass shootings and President Donald Trump’s crime policy, following a deadly shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis.
Authorities confirmed that a gunman opened fire during Mass at Annunciation Catholic School on Wednesday, killing two children and injuring at least 17 others. The suspect, identified as Robin Westman — formerly Robert Westman — was found dead at the scene.
In the wake of the shooting, public figures across the political spectrum offered prayers and condolences to the victims and their families. But Psaki, echoing a growing sentiment among progressive activists, argued that prayer was insufficient.
“Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers do 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,” Psaki wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
She followed with a pointed jab at Trump’s crime crackdown in the nation’s capital, where he deployed National Guard troops and assumed direct oversight of the Metropolitan Police Department.
“When kids are getting shot in their pews at a Catholic school Mass and your crime plan is to have National Guard put mulch down around D.C., maybe rethink your strategy,” she added.
Backlash From Conservatives and Religious Leaders
Psaki’s remarks triggered an immediate and sharp response from conservatives, Christian leaders, and members of the public who viewed her comments as insensitive and dismissive of faith.
Karen Hamilton, a Virginia House of Delegates candidate, responded, “I don’t expect a spiritually blind person to understand prayer, but it is real. Today I attended the funeral of a baby, and often when parents are in the depths of grief, Jesus is their greatest comforter. You should investigate why that is, rather than belittling it.”
Journalist Megan Basham added, “Your party encourages mental illness in telling men they can be women, then encourages them to identify as victims when the world does not indulge their fantasies, and then screams ‘prayers are not enough’ when insane transgenders shoot up schools. Prayer is vital.”
Rusty Weiss, a reporter for RedState, wrote, “Good of you to point out that the National Guard needs to be deployed to every major Democrat-run city to prevent their mentally ill trans groupies from killing people.”
Others highlighted what they called hypocrisy in Psaki’s stance. Washington Examiner contributor Kimberly Ross resurfaced a 2017 tweet from Psaki where she offered “thoughts and prayers” to Rep. Steve Scalise and others shot at a congressional baseball practice.
Shooter’s Identity Raises Additional Questions
Law enforcement sources confirmed the gunman was Robin Westman, who legally changed their name from Robert in 2019. A court document stated the then-minor identified as female and “wants her name to reflect that identification.” While authorities have not disclosed a motive, the shooter’s identity has already become a central in the broader culture war surrounding gender identity and mental health.
Trump’s D.C. Crime Strategy Under Fire
Psaki’s reference to the Trump administration’s handling of rising crime in Washington, D.C., came amid criticism from some on the left who say deploying the National Guard for urban clean-up and patrols is more about optics than effective governance.
Despite these criticisms, the move seems to have merit as violent crime statistics have plummeted since the intervention began.
A Flashpoint in the National Debate
Psaki’s remarks come at a volatile moment, with the country deeply divided over how to address mass shootings, crime, gun policy, and mental health. Her comments underscore the growing disconnect between prominent Democrats and the country’s Christian majority.
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Would she respond the same way to a GREEK ORTHODOX COMMUNITY??
How about if it was GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, SCHOOL??
Someone needs to remind ‘patty’ that well over 100 MILLION law abiding gun owners didn’t go crazy and let their ‘hatred’ (in spite of that claim from da mayor of mini apple us) cause them to shoot up a school. In fact there afaik were no other school shootings that day. But the antis default position is to ALWAYS blame the evil guns.
Psaki was not tone deaf; she is right on. Republicans are the tone deaf ones. They offer “thoughts and prayers” after school (and other) shootings, but refuse to do anything meaningful towards preventing them. After refusing to admit guns are too easy to acquire, they blame mental illness—but refuse to fund mental health programs.
What makes Jen Psaki believe or think she’s relevant.
She was irrelevant when she was Biden’s mouth piece ad she’s irrelevant now
Go away Jen
When your side of the political spectrum is pushing the fallacy that men can become women and visa-versa, offering our thoughts and prayers should be a given! If you think that we’ll give up our security, for the sake of the few nuts on YOUR side because they are unstable, you are on the wrong side!