After a terrible shooting tragedy, it’s such a common occurrence for politicians to call for “prayers,” or “thoughts and prayers,” that it’s by this time a cliché to share such platitudes rather than take any tangible action. It’s even the title of a short documentary, as well as an upcoming feature film, on the subject.
That’s also what came from the White House on Wednesday, following the tragic news of a church school shooting in Minneapolis in which two children were killed and many others were injured.
“We’re at the WH monitoring the situation in Minneapolis. Join all of us in praying for the victims!” Vice President JD Vance posted to X on Wednesday.
We’re at the WH monitoring the situation in Minneapolis. Join all of us in praying for the victims!
— JD Vance (@JDVance) August 27, 2025
In this particular situation, the victims were literally praying at the time that they were shot.
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There were quite a few outraged responses to what Vance posted.
We’re at the WH monitoring the situation in Minneapolis. Join all of us in praying for the victims!
— JD Vance (@JDVance) August 27, 2025
Could we add a third step besides monitor and pray?
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 27, 2025
If prayers stopped gun violence, children wouldn’t have been slaughtered in a religious school this morning. Use your power to regulate guns. https://t.co/y1zOvu7wRS
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) August 27, 2025
The shooting happened at a catholic school during mass.
They were praying.
Praying is not going to stop mass shootings in a country where you can buy guns from Walmart you dumbass. https://t.co/9cm72nCiRv
— chris cross big apple sauce 🍎🗽🍕🥯 (@notchrisvolpe) August 27, 2025
One political leader questioned the “thoughts and prayers” narrative: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
“Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now,” the mayor said. “These kids were literally praying!”
“These are kids that should be learning with their friends. They should be playing on the playground. They should be able to go to school or church in peace without the fear or risk of violence, and their parents should have the same kind of assurance. These are the sort of basic assurances that every family should have.”
🚨BREAKING: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey SLAMS Republicans after a Catholic School Shooting left 2 children dead: “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying!”
How many more kids must die?
pic.twitter.com/wbDZnXi99v— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) August 27, 2025
Photo courtesy of Political Tribune media library.
