When tragedy strikes, Americans have always turned to prayer for strength, healing, and hope. But after the horrific shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, some Democratic leaders chose to sneer instead of stand with grieving families.
Rev. Franklin Graham didn’t let that pass unanswered. In a powerful statement posted on social media, he reminded critics that their mockery is powerless against the truth of faith. “To the Democratic Mayor of Minneapolis and the other socialist left who have criticized calling for prayer in the aftermath of the tragic school shooting—your words do not change or diminish the power and importance of prayer,” Graham wrote.
He continued, “Because someone calls for prayer doesn’t mean that bad things aren’t going to happen or that the emergency is going to disappear, we all know that. But prayer is our opportunity to communicate directly with the God of Heaven and take our petitions to Him. God does see, God does hear, and God can intervene.”
Citing Scripture, Graham reminded the country of the gift of prayer and the hope it offers: “The Bible says, ‘Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need’ (Hebrews 4:16).”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) joined in the mockery, declaring, “These children were literally praying as they got shot at,” a statement meant to dismiss the power of prayer. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) echoed the same line, saying, “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying.”
The backlash was immediate. Media analyst Scott Jennings posted on X: “Tragedy struck a Minneapolis Catholic school today & the very first thing Mayor @Jacob_Frey did was attack people of faith for calling for prayer. I couldn’t believe it when I heard it. Whatever your political ideology, there are few moments where prayer is more appropriate.”
Radio host Dana Loesch blasted the timing, writing: “Nothing says idiot politicians like this guy who comes out and promptly attacks and mocks prayer after a tragedy.” Bishop Robert Barron also weighed in, saying, “Catholics don’t think that prayer magically protects them from all suffering. After all, Jesus prayed fervently from the cross on which he was dying.”
The alleged shooter, reports indicate, harbored deep hatred for Christianity and identified as transgender, having changed names and identities at 17.
The facts underscore a sobering truth: the culture war against faith in America is not simply rhetorical—it’s a rejection of the very foundations that give people hope in the darkest hours. Prayer has always been one of the greatest sources of strength for families, churches, and communities facing heartbreak. For public officials to mock it is more than tone-deaf; it’s a reflection of a political class that sees faith as something to be ridiculed instead of respected.
Rev. Graham closed with a direct challenge to Mayor Frey: “Mayor Frey, I hope that you will come to know the price that was paid for your sins and that you will understand the value of prayer in your own life.”
At a moment when Americans are searching for comfort, unity, and answers, it’s worth asking: who is truly serving the people—the leaders mocking prayer, or the leaders pointing us toward faith, healing, and hope?
