Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mayor Jacob Frey (D) is facing intense criticism after rejecting the traditional “thoughts and prayers” in response to the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, where two young children were killed and 17 others injured, including 14 students.
The attack occurred during the school’s start-of-year mass, just two days after classes began, as Resist the Mainstream covered earlier.
Speaking at a Wednesday press conference, Frey emphasized the gravity of the tragedy and urged action beyond symbolic gestures.
“Children are dead, there are families that have a deceased child. You cannot put into words the gravity, tragedy or absolute pain of the situation,” Frey said. “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.”
The mayor’s remarks drew sharp online criticism, with some accusing him of politicizing the tragedy at a time when grieving families were seeking comfort.
Faith leaders also pushed back, stressing that prayer has long served as a source of strength.
“When our community is under attack, prayer is not meaningless—it is our refuge,” one local priest told parishioners at a vigil.
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