House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., walks with staff and his security detail. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
The Louisiana Republican pointed to Newsom’s post on X in response to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who condemned MSNBC commentator and former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki’s comments criticizing the outpouring of "thoughts and prayers" and lack of focus on gun control.
Leavitt slammed Psaki's comments as "incredibly insensitive and disrespectful" to Americans of faith.
"These children were literally praying as they got shot at," Newsom fired back.
Johnson called Newsom's remarks "sick."
MINNESOTA BISHOP REBUKES DEM MAYOR FOR DISMISSING PRAYER FOLLOWING DEADLY CATHOLIC SCHOOL ATTACK
Susan Saly, right, and Meagan Pierlouissi place flowers at a memorial at Annunciation Catholic Church after Wednesday's school shooting on Aug. 28, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Abbie Parr/AP Photo)
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., charged that the shooting was the result of Democratic policies and a simmering mental health crisis across the country.
"The way forward is to address the mental health crisis and empower law enforcement to crack down on crime, just as President Trump has done right here in our nation's capital," he said.
While Republicans have condemned the shooting, blamed Democrats and called for prayer in the aftermath, Democratic lawmakers have taken a different route similar to Newsom’s.
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"Don’t just say, ‘This is about thoughts and prayers right now.’ These kids were literally praying," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, D-Minn., said after the shooting. "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."
Others, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., have called for Congress to take action on gun control.
Alex Miller is a writer for Fox News Digital covering the U.S. Senate.
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