Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) is facing public criticism after a video circulated online showing her smiling briefly while visiting the site of this week’s school shooting near Minneapolis.
The incident took place at a Catholic school where 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire, killing two children and injuring 17 others. Authorities say early findings suggest the attack was motivated by anti-Catholic sentiment and violent ideation connected to political grievances, including hostility toward former President Donald Trump. Westman was found dead at the scene.
The attack has sparked renewed debate over gun violence, religious freedom, and the political response to mass shootings.
Omar’s Visit and Reaction
On Thursday, Omar visited Assumption Church and the attached school in her district, where the shooting occurred. Speaking with reporters, she described the incident as an “unspeakable horror.”
“My heart breaks for the families and the victims of this tragic mourning year in Minneapolis,” Omar said. She added that investigators still had limited information about the suspect. “We are going to learn more about motives and what more can be done to make sure we can avoid tragedies like this.”
While her remarks were focused on the victims, a photo and short video clip from her visit drew attention online. The footage appeared to show Omar smiling broadly while greeting individuals outside the church. Critics circulated the image on social media, claiming it reflected insensitivity at a time of mourning. Supporters countered that the moment captured a brief interaction unrelated to her formal statements and should not be taken as dismissive of the tragedy.
Broader Political Reactions
Local and national officials have weighed in on the attack, with many Democratic leaders highlighting gun violence as a central concern.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the shooting underscored the need for action on firearm regulations. “Don’t just say, this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying,” Frey said at a press conference. “They should be able to go to school or church in peace without the fear or risk of violence, and their parents should have the same kind of assurance.”
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) echoed that sentiment during an interview on CNN, pointing to the circumstances of the attack. “If a bunch of kids praying in church and shot down through the windows of that church and locked into that by a madman isn’t enough to make people move, I just don’t know what is anymore,” she said.
Debate Over Public Response
At the same time, some Democrats drew criticism for how they framed the issue in the immediate aftermath. Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, now an MSNBC host, faced backlash for comments that were interpreted as dismissive of calls for prayer in the wake of the shooting.
Other voices pushed back against that framing, emphasizing the importance of faith for many families affected. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard wrote on X that criticism of prayer was misplaced.
“Those like @jenpsaki and @Jacob_Frey who criticize prayers in the wake of the Minneapolis tragedy are expressing the same anti-God sentiment that motivated the shooter,” Gabbard said. “He aimed his wrath at God by trying to stop people with his bullets from praying to God. Now is a time for us to come together and join hands in prayer, for the children who were killed, their loved ones, and those who survived this horrific shooting.”
Continuing Investigation
Authorities are continuing to piece together details about the shooter, including his background, ideology, and potential online activity. Officials confirmed that Westman had expressed anti-Catholic beliefs and had made statements critical of former President Trump, though they cautioned that the full extent of his motives remains under review.
Law enforcement agencies have not released information suggesting that Westman was part of any larger group or network, but they are analyzing his communications to determine whether others may have influenced his actions.
National Context
The Minneapolis shooting adds to the ongoing debate about gun violence and political extremism in the United States. According to education safety advocates, faith-based schools have historically been less frequent targets than public institutions, but recent years have seen an increase in attacks motivated by religious or political grievances.
As the investigation continues, leaders from both parties are expected to face renewed questions about gun laws, security at schools, and the tone of national political discourse.
For now, the community in Minneapolis is left to grieve while debate continues in Washington and across the country.
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