Dem Senator Uses Teen as a ‘Human Shield’ to Mock Prayer in Wake of MN Shooting

Democrats are facing criticism over their response to the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday, after several party figures and media personalities made remarks dismissing expressions of prayer and linking the tragedy to broader political debates.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed the attack at a press conference and invoked the faith of the victims.

“And don’t just say this is about ‘thoughts and prayers,’ right now. These kids were literally praying! It was the first week of school, they were in a church,” Frey said.

Frey: And don’t just say, this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church. pic.twitter.com/pEy8dOgr1R

— Acyn (@Acyn) August 27, 2025

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Former Biden-Harris White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who now hosts a program on MSNBC, also weighed in on X.

“Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does 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,” Psaki wrote.

Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does 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.

— Jen Psaki (@jrpsaki) August 27, 2025

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The remarks drew backlash from those who argued Democrats were politicizing the tragedy before all the facts had been released. Critics pointed out that many of the victims were engaged in prayer at the time of the shooting.

Further controversy arose when Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota shared a student’s commentary in the Star Tribune.

The opinion piece, authored by a 16-year-old Minneapolis public school student, was used by Smith to highlight youth perspectives on the shooting.

The senator promoted the article on social media shortly after the incident.

“Do not offer thoughts and prayers as you systematically enable such tragedies. Do not claim prayers are sufficient when children die as they pray. Do not pretend you do not understand.”

— Lydia, 16, Minneapolis

— Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) August 28, 2025

Critics of Psaki’s comments and Smith’s social media posts said the timing and framing of their responses dismissed religious expression, particularly when the attack took place inside a Catholic school where students had been praying.

It’s not so much that the senator mocks worshippers following an attack on their community. Where it takes an exceptionally grotesque turn is that she does it from behind a child human shield, which I suppose is on-brand for the former VP of the state’s Planned Parenthood. https://t.co/6MAgftuaej

— T. Becket Adams (@BecketAdams) August 29, 2025

The incident has also drawn comparisons to the reaction following the March 2023 mass shooting at The Covenant School, a Christian elementary school in Nashville.

After that attack, public attention at times shifted to discussions about the transgender identity of the shooter, with some activists and political figures warning against stigmatization of the transgender community.

Opponents argued that the focus overlooked the Christian faith of the victims and the trauma experienced by their families.

At Annunciation Catholic School, the fact that the victims were children engaged in prayer at the beginning of the school year added to the intensity of the discussion.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that the shooter identified as transgender.

Wednesday’s shooting in Minneapolis has reignited debates over gun control, mental health, religious liberty, and the political responses that follow high-profile acts of violence.

While the investigation into the attack continues, public officials and commentators remain divided over the appropriate balance between policy discussions and respect for religious practices in the immediate aftermath of such tragedies.

The school community, meanwhile, has begun the process of grieving and recovery.

Local officials have said additional resources are being provided for counseling and support as families cope with the aftermath of the attack.

The shooting has renewed national attention on both the vulnerability of religious schools and the contentious debates that follow mass shootings.

As federal and state authorities continue their investigations, the broader political arguments surrounding prayer, faith, and community response remain at the forefront of the national conversation.