Tulsi Gabbard Blasts Jen Psaki Over Comments on Prayer Following School Shooting

Tulsi Gabbard, the former U.S. Congresswoman and current Director of National Intelligence, took to social media to denounce MSNBC host Jen Psaki after Psaki expressed her belief that “prayers and thoughts” are insufficient in addressing the consequences of the recent Minneapolis Catholic school shooting. Psaki made headlines with her assertion that mere prayer does not ensure safety or justice and doesn’t bring back lost lives. She emphasized the need for more substantial action rather than just prayers following such tragedies.

In response to Psaki’s comments, Gabbard questioned the intense negative reaction that Psaki and others have toward individuals who turn to prayer for comfort and support after the horrific incident. Gabbard suggested that this backlash stems from a disbelief in God and His love, describing those in opposition to prayer as “agents of darkness.” She further expanded her critique to encompass cultural issues, condemning transgender rights and advocating for a worldview shaped by love and light, in line with Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings that darkness cannot be dispelled by more darkness.

The debate was further intensified as GOP figures quickly rallied behind Psaki’s critics. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labeled Psaki's comments as disrespectful to faith-based Americans who value the power of prayer. Vice President JD Vance also voiced disagreement with Psaki, asserting that prayers are a response rooted in heartbreak and should not be criticized, especially when children had been praying during the attack.

In light of the growing discourse surrounding gun violence and the spiritual response to it, Psaki asserted that those in power should be initiating conversations about gun safety measures rather than targeting her for her comments. Meanwhile, anti-gun violence advocate Fred Guttenberg expressed his disdain for Gabbard’s perspective, pointing out that while thoughts and prayers are well-intentioned, they do not change the painful reality faced by those who have lost loved ones to gun violence.

The brutal attack in Minneapolis, perpetrated by 23-year-old Robin Westman, resulted in the tragic deaths of two children and injuries to others. Investigators revealed that Westman had a disturbing fixation on harming children and was reportedly struggling with personal issues leading up to the shooting, adding to the complexity of the ongoing discussions about the causes of such violence.