JD Vance Critiques Jen Psaki Over Prayer Comments After Shooting

Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki following her comments on social media regarding the recent shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The tragic event, which occurred on March 27, 2024, resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 others during morning Mass.

In a post on X, Vance defended the act of prayer in the wake of the shooting, questioning Psaki’s rationale for dismissing it. He stated, “We pray because our hearts are broken. We pray because we know God listens. We pray because we know that God works in mysterious ways, and can inspire us to further action.” Vance expressed his disbelief at Psaki’s stance, asking, “Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed praying?”

Responses Intensify Following Tragedy

Vance’s remarks came after Psaki criticized the habitual offering of “thoughts and prayers” in response to mass shootings. In her post, she asserted, “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.”

The former press secretary’s comments did not stop there. In a subsequent post, she connected the incident to broader issues, criticizing the Trump administration’s crime strategy in Washington, D.C. Psaki remarked, “When kids are getting shot in their pews at a Catholic school mass and your crime plan is to have the National Guard put mulch down around D.C., maybe rethink your strategy.”

Vance responded to Psaki’s portrayal of prayer as inadequate, labeling it one of the “weird left-wing culture wars” of recent years. He questioned the logic behind her opposition to prayer during such a somber moment, emphasizing the importance of spiritual support in times of tragedy.

The shooting incident has reignited discussions around gun violence and school safety in the United States. As the community mourns, the debate over the role of prayer and action in the face of such tragedies continues to polarize public opinion.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, where the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event.