The mayor of Minneapolis criticized Christians offering prayers for victims of a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, which left two children dead and 17 others injured. During a press conference following the attack, Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey argued that “thoughts and prayers” were insufficient in response to the violence.

The shooting occurred during morning Mass on Wednesday, with a gunman firing a rifle through church windows, striking children and worshippers. Two victims were aged 8 and 10, while 14 of the injured were children, including two in critical condition. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the attack as a “deliberate act of violence against innocent children.”

Frey emphasized the tragedy of the scene, noting that the deceased were “literally praying” during the assault. He also addressed claims linking the shooter to transgender identity, stating that focus should remain on the victims rather than the perpetrator’s background. The gunman, identified as Robin Westman, a transgender woman, later took his own life.

The mayor called for immediate action beyond rhetoric, citing the prevalence of firearms in the U.S. and urging stricter gun control measures. “We can’t just say this shouldn’t happen again and then allow it to happen again,” Frey said.