A tragic shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school has been politicized by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who scoffed at the power of prayer, as Breitbart reports. His comments on X, alongside other Democrats, have ignited a firestorm of controversy. Critics argue that he is mocking the faith of child victims.
A gunman opened fire during morning mass at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, leaving two children dead and 17 others wounded. Newsom and fellow Democrats seized the moment to push gun control, dismissing “thoughts and prayers” as hollow. Their rhetoric has drawn sharp rebuke from conservatives who see it as callous.
The shooting unfolded as children prayed, a detail Newsom highlighted in a biting X post. “There children were literally praying as they got shot at,” he wrote. His words, meant to underscore gun violence, instead struck many as a cruel jab at the victims’ faith.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the role of prayer, stating simply, “Prayer works.” Newsom’s retort on X framed her comment as out-of-touch, amplifying the left’s push for legislative fixes over spiritual solace. Conservatives argue this dismisses the deeply held beliefs of grieving families.
Democrats have long criticized “thoughts and prayers” as an inadequate response to mass shootings. They argue that only robust gun control, like Minnesota’s existing “red flag” laws, can prevent such tragedies. Yet, these laws failed to stop the Minneapolis shooter, raising questions about their effectiveness.
Newsom’s history of restricting religious freedom adds fuel to the controversy. During the coronavirus pandemic, he banned most religious gatherings, including communal prayers in private homes. The U.S. Supreme Court later struck down his home prayer ban, citing overreach.
The Minneapolis shooting occurred during a sacred moment, with children gathered in worship. Newsom’s decision to highlight their prayers in his critique has been called tone-deaf by faith communities. Many see it as exploiting a tragedy to score political points.
Democrats’ focus on gun control often overshadows the human cost of such events. While advocating for policy changes, their dismissal of prayer alienates those who find comfort in faith. This divide deepens when leaders like Newsom appear to belittle spiritual responses.
Minnesota’s “red flag” laws, designed to seize firearms from at-risk individuals, were in place before the shooting. Yet, the tragedy still occurred, undermining claims that more laws alone will solve the problem. Conservatives argue that enforcement, not rhetoric, is the missing piece.
Newsom’s track record on religious issues invites skepticism about his motives. His pandemic-era bans on worship sparked widespread backlash from faith communities. The Supreme Court’s ruling against his prayer restrictions remains a sore point for his critics.
Beyond religious restrictions, Newsom has positioned California as a haven for controversial policies. He’s advertised the state as a destination for abortions, even subsidizing travel for those from pro-life states. This progressive stance contrasts sharply with his critique of prayer in a time of crisis.
The Minneapolis shooting has reignited debates over how leaders respond to tragedy. Democrats’ push for gun control clashes with conservatives’ defense of faith-based responses. Newsom’s comments, in particular, have deepened this divide.
While Democrats argue for systemic change, their rhetoric often feels dismissive of victims’ beliefs. Newsom’s focus on the children’s prayers during the shooting struck many as unnecessarily provocative. It’s a tactic that risks alienating those who value both faith and safety.
Leavitt’s assertion that “prayer works” was meant to offer hope, not spark debate. Newsom’s decision to weaponize it on X reflects a broader trend of politicizing grief. Conservatives see this as a low blow, especially given the sacred context of the shooting.
As Minneapolis mourns, the clash between faith and policy rages on. Newsom’s remarks may rally his base, but they’ve also galvanized critics who see them as mocking the faithful. In a time of loss, unity remains elusive.
