Jen Psaki’s Reaction to the Minnesota Catholic School Mass Shooting is Something Else

A mass shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis has left two children dead and 17 others injured, according to police.

The attack occurred during a morning Mass attended by students from the K-8 Annunciation Catholic School, which is connected to the parish.

Authorities confirmed that all of the wounded, including 14 children and three adults, are expected to survive.

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Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, now an MSNBC host, also weighed in online with remarks that sparked immediate controversy.

“When kids are getting shot in their pews at a catholic school mass and your crime plan is to have national guard put mulch down around DC maybe rethink your strategy,” Psaki wrote on social media.

When kids are getting shot in their pews at a catholic school mass and your crime plan is to have national guard put mulch down around DC maybe rethink your strategy

— Jen Psaki (@jrpsaki) August 27, 2025

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She continued in another post: “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.”

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

The statements drew criticism from many online who questioned the timing and content of Psaki’s response, given that the attack had taken place during a religious service where children and families were praying.

Commenters accused Psaki of dismissing the role of faith at a time of mourning.

Psaki also linked the shooting to President Donald Trump, attacking his administration’s public safety strategy in Washington, D.C.

She wrote that Trump’s approach amounted to little more than “putting mulch down around D.C.” and suggested the Minneapolis shooting showed his plan had failed.

When kids are getting shot in their pews at a catholic school mass and your crime plan is to have national guard put mulch down around DC maybe rethink your strategy

— Jen Psaki (@jrpsaki) August 27, 2025

Data from D.C. officials, however, has shown that violent crime declined following the deployment of additional federal resources under Trump’s initiative earlier this year.

DC @MayorBowser releases data showing crime down significantly during federal surge compared to last year at same time and previous 20 days. Crime down significantly in every category. Compared to 2024 Violent crime down 45% Carjacking down 87% Overall down 15%. @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/ywY5i7jqEa

— Mark Segraves (@SegravesNBC4) August 27, 2025