Rev. Franklin Graham didn’t hold back after leftist politicians, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), took aim at people offering prayers in response to the tragic school shooting at Annunciation Catholic School. In a sharp rebuke posted on social media, Graham defended the power and purpose of prayer, calling out the “socialist left” for their attempts to discredit faith in the wake of the tragedy.
“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 stated.
Graham emphasized that prayer isn’t some naive escape from tragedy—it’s the direct communication between man and God. And contrary to the claims of politicians weaponizing grief for political gain, he reminded critics that even Jesus turned to prayer before facing death. Graham also pointed to Scripture, quoting Hebrews 4:16, highlighting that prayer is a lifeline to grace and mercy in times of crisis.
He didn’t stop there. Graham called out the root of the evil behind the shooting: “The god of this age is Satan—he is the one who wants to steal, kill, and destroy. He is the author of all lies and the turmoil and violence that ensues—like this senseless shooting.”
The shooter reportedly had a hatred for Christianity and identified as transgender, according to reports. But instead of acknowledging that uncomfortable truth or discussing the moral decay behind these violent acts, Newsom and Frey chose to mock people of faith. Newsom sneered, “These children were literally praying as they got shot at,” while Frey echoed the same sentiment: “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying.”
Their words weren’t just tone-deaf—they were offensive. A bishop in Minnesota called Frey’s remarks “completely asinine,” reminding the public that prayer was never about magical protection from suffering. “After all, Jesus prayed fervently from the cross on which he was dying,” Bishop Robert Barron said.
Graham’s message was clear: prayer is not a sign of weakness, and mocking it will not silence believers. “
Yes, we pray, and I will continue to encourage people to pray,” he said. “Satan would like nothing better than to thwart the most vital tool God has given us—prayer.”
In closing, Graham didn’t just defend prayer—he issued a challenge. “
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.”
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