Psaki responds to backlash over her dismissing thoughts and prayers, says they're 'not enough'
Original story by
Fox News•Aug 29•Politics, Gun Control, Media

📰 Article Summary
The article discusses a recent exchange between former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and current press secretary Karoline Leavitt regarding Psaki’s comments on the inadequacy of "thoughts and prayers" in response to the Minneapolis church shooting that resulted in fatalities. Psaki criticized politicians for not taking sufficient action towards gun safety, claiming that prayer alone does not address the crisis of gun violence. Leavitt, in turn, defended the power of prayer, calling Psaki's remarks disrespectful to those of faith and emphasizing the need for prayer among affected families.
📌 Key Facts
- Psaki's Criticism of Prayer: Jen Psaki emphasized that merely offering thoughts and prayers is insufficient to combat gun violence, advocating instead for tangible actions such as gun safety measures. She argued that prayer does not adequately address the safety concerns of parents sending their children to school.
- Leavitt's Response: Karoline Leavitt responded to Psaki's comments by stating that deriding the power of prayer is disrespectful to many Americans. She urged Psaki to focus on praying for the affected families rather than dismissing prayer's significance.
- Gun Violence Statistics: Psaki highlighted alarming statistics about gun violence in schools, noting that there have been multiple school shootings since the start of the school year. She pointed out that the frequency of such incidents necessitates serious discussions about effective preventative measures.
- Call for Action: The core of Psaki's plea was the need for political leaders to advocate for sensible gun safety legislation, such as universal background checks and restrictions on assault weapons, as the current situation is untenable.
- Cultural Commentary: Overall, this exchange reflects a broader cultural debate in America about faith, responsibility, and the adequacy of religious sentiments in the face of societal crises like mass shootings.
📂 Article Classification
Topic Tags: Gun Violence and Political Discourse
📍 Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota United States
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