Presidents Biden, Obama, and Clinton say they are praying for families
In statements released on social media, former presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton expressed their grief and sadness after today’s mass shooting in Minneapolis.
Biden, whose son Beau died in 2015 at the age of 46, said: “No parent should ever have to bury their child.”
“Jill and I are heartbroken, and there are simply no words to adequately mark such a horrific and painful moment,” Biden said. “With all our hearts, we are praying for the victims, their families, and the community of Minneapolis.”
Obama, who served when a gunman killed 20 first-graders and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary school in 2012, said people cannot allow themselves "to become numb to mass shootings."
“What happened today in Minneapolis is heartbreaking, and Michelle and I are praying for the parents who have lost a child or will be sitting at their hospital bedside after yet another act of unspeakable, unnecessary violence,” he said.
Biden, Obama and Clinton say they are praying for families, continued
Clinton said, “I am heartbroken about the young lives lost and the many injured in Minneapolis.”
“The start of a new school year should be a chance to celebrate growth and learning — not another painful reminder of the gun violence epidemic that we have failed to end for the sake of our children and grandchildren. I am praying for the healing of the community and our entire country, and hope we find the courage to act,” Clinton said.
Donald Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff as a mark of respect for the victims of the "senseless acts of violence perpetrated on August 27, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota," and he spoke with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz after the shooting.
Sadly, prayers have never been enough.
Until we remove access to military grade weapons by angry white men this will continue. If we couldn’t do it for Sandy Hook this is what we can expect. I am angry about many things right now. If Trump wants to truly make communities better, he will support banning assault weapons. A far better action than mobilizing the National Guard to trash duty in DC.