House Speaker Mike Johnson has accused California Governor Gavin Newsom of ‘anti-Christian’ rhetoric in the wake of the deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minnesota, condemning the governor’s remarks as ‘sick’ and indicative of ‘profound moral decay.’ Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, criticized Newsom for mocking the victims of the attack, which left two children dead and 17 people injured during morning Mass.
Johnson’s outburst came after Newsom responded to criticism from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who had denounced former press secretary Jen Psaki for her comments on the lack of focus on gun control amid calls for ‘thoughts and prayers’ following the shooting. Newsom’s reply, which stated that the children were ‘literally praying as they got shot at,’ drew sharp rebuke from Johnson, who accused the governor of being ‘starving for attention’ and failing to show compassion for the victims of the tragedy.
Johnson’s remarks reflect a broader ideological divide within the U.S. political landscape, where right-wing lawmakers have increasingly framed religious expression and prayer in schools as a moral and social issue. The shooting at the Catholic school, which occurs during Mass, has ignited a national debate over the role of faith in public spaces and the responsibilities of government and lawmakers to protect citizens from violence.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, has called for ‘serious action’ on gun control and highlighted the urgent need to address the mental health crisis across the country. Walz’s comments contrast with the responses from other Democrats, such as Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who have also advocated for legislative measures to reduce gun violence and ensure school safety.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have called for bipartisan action on gun control, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future. Their calls come amid a growing pressure on Congress to pass meaningful legislation on gun safety following a series of school shootings that have sparked nationwide outrage and demands for change.
The incident has also reignited discussions about the role of social media in shaping political discourse and the impact of public figures’ statements on national sentiment. Newsom’s use of the Bible verse to address the tragedy has been widely scrutinized, with critics arguing that it fails to acknowledge the trauma of the victims and shifts the focus away from concrete solutions to the issue of gun violence.
As the debate over the shooting continues, the controversy underscores the deepening polarization in American politics and the challenges of finding common ground on issues such as gun control, mental health, and the role of faith in public life. The tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School has become a flashpoint in a national conversation that is as much about ideology as it is about policy and public safety.