Leavitt Rips Predecessor Psaki Over Minnesota Shooting Remarks Denigrating Prayers

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday sharply criticized comments made by one of her predecessors, Jen Psaki, about the mass shooting Wednesday at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, characterizing the remarks as “insensitive and disrespectful.”

Discussing the school shootings that left two children dead and 17 others injured, Psaki raised the topic of politicians invoking prayers in a post on the social media platform X.

The former White House spokeswoman wrote, “Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does not [sic] 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.”

Psaki served as White House press secretary from January 2021 to May 2022 under President Joe Biden, and now hosts a program on MSNBC.

Then-White House press secretary Jen Psaki, seen here on April 21, 2021. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

When asked about Psaki’s X post at Thursday’s press briefing, Leavitt lambasted her for it.

“Yes, I saw the comments of my predecessor, Ms. Psaki, and, frankly, I think they’re incredibly insensitive and disrespectful to the tens of millions of Americans of faith across this country who believe in the power of prayer, who believe that prayer works, and who believe that in a time of mourning like this, when beautiful young children were killed while praying in a church, it’s utterly disrespectful to deride the power of prayer in this country,” Leavitt said, adding:

And it’s disrespectful to the millions of Americans of faith, and I would encourage Ms. Psaki to pray for these families themselves who need it—right now more than ever.

Two children, ages 8 and 10, died, and 17 other people were injured, during the shootings, which occurred when the students were at a morning church service, according to The New York Post. The shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

Psaki’s post also prompted a response from Vice President JD Vance, who wrote, “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. Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed [while] praying?”

At the hearing, Leavitt said the Trump administration was investigating the self-professed gender dysphoria of the male shooter, who was identified by the police as transgender. 

“All of the elements are being investigated in the shooting, absolutely. Which is why, part of the reason the FBI director came out and immediately confirmed that facet of the investigation,” Leavitt said.

The press secretary also noted that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that the Department of Health and Human Services is investigating any potential links between an increase in violence and the drugs minors are placed on in gender transitions. 

“We’re launching studies on the potential contribution of some of the SSRI drugs and some of the other psychiatric drugs that might be contributing to violence,” Kennedy told Fox News. SSRIs are antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain.

“[O]bviously we have mental health problems in this country that this administration and Secretary Kennedy will continue to speak out about and the work that we’re doing to solve it,” Leavitt said. 

The press secretary also outlined some preventive measurements that each American could take to help prevent future school shootings.

Leavitt also quoted from first lady Melania Trump’s statement on the shooting, saying, “Early warning signs are often evident, with many individuals exhibiting concerning behaviors and making violent threats online prior to their actions.” 

“We encourage all Americans, as the old saying goes, ‘If you see something, say something.’ If you see warning signs or threats, report it to law enforcement. This administration, federal law enforcement will take those reports and those threats seriously. They will be treated as a law enforcement emergency, and we will act accordingly,” Leavitt continued.

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