Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey lashed out at those who called for “thoughts and prayers” after Wednesday morning’s tragic shooting, complaining that it wasn’t enough and suggesting that people offering prayers for those impacted were unwilling to work toward concrete solutions.
Frey, a Democrat, spoke at a press conference on Wednesday as details of the horrific event were still being made public. At least two children were killed and nearly 20 were injured at Annunciation Catholic School.
WATCH:
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey: “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now: these kids were literally praying.” pic.twitter.com/o1yOdUKBqO
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) August 27, 2025
“Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now, these kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school, they were in a church,” Frey said. “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.”
The implication, of course, was that something should be done about the guns — but as Emily Jashinsky pointed out, many who are not in favor of more gun control have proposed solutions to protect schools. Democrats like Frey, who typically favor gun control, have not been interested in those solutions.
“Almost no one ever ‘just’ says the reaction should be about thoughts and prayers — even the conservative Christians with whom Frey disagrees on gun control believe in policy solutions of their own. (Arming teachers, tighter security, etc.) He just doesn’t like those solutions, which is fine,” she posted.
“But it’s really time to retire this cheap hit on people of faith, especially in cases where they’re actually the direct targets of an attack,” she added. “Those little kids don’t believe the prayers they were saying today shield them from earthly tragedy or excuse them from doing good works. Frey can make his point about guns just as well without this tired jab.”
Almost no one ever “just” says the reaction should be about thoughts and prayers — even the conservative Christians with whom Frey disagrees on gun control believe in policy solutions of their own. (Arming teachers, tighter security, etc.) He just doesn’t like those solutions,… https://t.co/wzO0wwU4IE
— Emily Jashinsky (@emilyjashinsky) August 27, 2025