Overview

• Appearing on MSNBC’s Velshi, Jones said offering thoughts and prayers after mass shootings is theological malpractice and a form of idolatry.
• He argued that praying for outcomes lawmakers can change is improper, citing a proverb about moving one’s hands and feet.
• Jones criticized Tennessee Republicans for passing a law shielding gun manufacturers from litigation after the Covenant School shooting.
• He urged elected officials to keep their thoughts, prayers, and tweets and to take concrete action to address gun violence.
• Coverage linked his remarks to the Annunciation Catholic School shooting in Minneapolis and noted partisan reactions, with Democrats dismissing prayer-only responses and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defending prayer while highlighting GOP security proposals.