Tulsi Gabbard Criticizes Jen Psaki’s Remarks on Prayer After Minneapolis School Shooting
In the wake of a devastating Minneapolis school shooting that claimed the lives of two children and wounded 18 others, former Democrat-turned-Republican Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has sharply criticized former White House press secretary Jen Psaki for her remarks dismissing prayer as an inadequate response. Gabbard, who previously served as a Democrat member of Congress before switching parties, took to X to accuse Psaki and others of harboring ‘hatred of God’ and calling them ‘agents of darkness.’ Her response tied into broader Democratic Party stances on social issues, including transgender rights, and invoked Martin Luther King Jr.’s admonition about the power of love over hate.
Psaki’s post, which stated that ‘prayer is not freaking enough,’ sparked widespread controversy and garnered over 15 million views on X. The former press secretary’s comments were widely criticized for downplaying the role of faith in times of crisis, prompting a wave of backlash from religious groups and conservative politicians. Gabbard’s accusation that Psaki and others represent ‘agents of darkness’ reflects a broader ideological divide on how society should respond to tragedies and the role of religion in public discourse.
President Biden’s administration faced increasing pressure to address the nation’s gun violence crisis as the Minneapolis shooting brought renewed attention to the issue. The incident has deepened the debate over how to balance gun rights with public safety, particularly in schools. The tragedy also highlights the complex relationship between faith and public policy, with many arguing that prayer and religious practices should play a more central role in the grieving process and calls for change.
Conservative voices swiftly rallied behind Gabbard, with Vice President JD Vance criticizing Psaki’s dismissal of prayer, stating that ‘those children were literally praying as they were murdered.’ Republican lawmakers and media figures have framed the controversy as a test of how leaders should respond to tragedy, emphasizing the importance of spiritual and communal support in times of crisis.
The Minneapolis shooting has become a flashpoint in the national conversation about safety, morality, and the role of faith in American life. As the debate continues, the incident underscores the deepening political and cultural rifts over how to address gun violence and the role of religion in public discourse. The situation also highlights the tensions between different factions within the Democratic Party, as Gabbard’s comments have drawn comparisons to the party’s positions on social and cultural issues.