Key Takeaways:

• Speaker Mike Johnson says mental health, not guns, causes shootings.
• The House voted to cut mental health services, including major Medicaid funding.
• The Trump administration ended $1 billion in school mental health grants.
• Critics argue cuts ignore gun laws and leave children at risk.

Speaker’s Reaction to the Minneapolis Shooting

In the wake of the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson spoke out. Two young children died. Seventeen more were wounded. Instead of calling for new gun laws, he blamed mental health and the human heart. He also criticized leaders on the left, like Jen Psaki and Gavin Newsom, for attacking faith and religion.

Johnson said that prayer can help grieving families. However, he insisted that guns are not the problem. He argued that we should focus on mental health services and the human spirit. He warned against “politicizing” grief at a time of tragedy.

The Mental Health Debate

Johnson’s stance fueled a wider debate about mental health and gun violence. On Wednesday, Jen Psaki, now an anchor, said that “prayer is not enough.” She pointed out that no amount of prayers can bring back lost lives. She urged for action to make schools and churches safer.

Johnson answered that mental health is the real issue, not firearms. According to him, more counseling and therapy can prevent violence. Yet many lawmakers on his side are cutting mental health budgets. The House recently voted to reduce Medicaid funds, the largest public payer of behavioral health services.

Cuts to Mental Health Services

Moreover, the Trump administration ended roughly a billion dollars in school mental health grants. These grants were part of a law passed after the Uvalde school shooting in 2022. Funds were meant to hire and train counselors and psychologists in schools. The Education Department under Trump claimed the programs conflicted with its priorities.

As a result, many schools lost support for counselors and social workers. Parents and teachers worry that this will leave vulnerable children without help. They say mental health services can spot warning signs early. Without these services, children in crisis may slip through the cracks.

Critics Respond

Critics slammed Johnson’s comments as tone-deaf. They pointed out that Republican leaders have repeatedly cut mental health funding. Award-winning writer Hal Corley said the party denies community care even as it praises it. Others noted that Republicans often block measures to expand Medicaid for psychiatric care.

Meanwhile, gun control advocates argue that mental health alone cannot explain mass shootings. They say easy access to firearms plays a major role. They insist on laws that require background checks, safe storage, and red flag orders. In their view, tackling both mental health and gun access makes sense.

What Comes Next?

In the days ahead, this clash over mental health and guns will shape policy debates. Lawmakers must decide if they will restore funding for counselors, social workers, and therapists. They will also debate whether to strengthen or loosen gun rules in schools and public spaces.

Parents, teachers, and community leaders are calling for commonsense solutions. These include metal detectors, trained guards, and secure entry systems at schools. In addition, many support more school counselors and online hotlines for mental health help. They want action that does not threaten lawful gun ownership, but still protects children.

As the nation mourns another tragedy, feelings run high on all sides. Some fear that blaming mental health alone distracts from gun safety. Others worry that new regulations may infringe on rights. However, most agree that children deserve safe schools and support for mental well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does mental health relate to school shootings?

Mental health can affect behavior and stress levels. When students lack counseling, warning signs can be missed. Strong support helps detect and treat problems early.

Why did the Trump administration cut school mental health grants?

Officials said the grants conflicted with their priorities. They argued these programs might undermine student well-being, but critics saw the move as a budget cut.

What is the House doing about mental health funding?

Recently, it voted to reduce Medicaid funds for behavioral health services. This decision may limit access to counseling for low-income families.

Can prayer help prevent gun violence?

Prayer offers comfort and hope for many. Yet experts say it cannot replace counseling, security measures, or common-sense gun laws. Prayer alone will not stop shootings.