Why did Senator Tina Smith call out RFK Jr. after the Minneapolis school shooting?
In the wake of the devastating shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, where two young children were killed and 17 others injured, Minnesota Senator Tina Smith blasted MAGA Health Secretary RFK Jr. for suggesting that antidepressants and psychiatric medications, rather than guns, might be fueling such tragedies.
Quoting his Fox News comments, Smith didn’t hold back:
“I dare you to go to Annunciation School and tell our grieving community, in effect, guns don’t kill kids, antidepressants do. Just shut up. Stop peddling bullsht. You should be fired.”
She followed up with another post on X highlighting the real issue:
"There are 400 million guns in this country. More guns than people. In America, we are ten times more likely to be shot in a school or playground than any other developed nation."
Meanwhile, Minneapolis police confirmed that the shooter—armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—opened fire during mass before being killed.
Why this clash matters
RFK Jr.’s comments reflect a broader Republican talking point: shifting blame for mass shootings away from guns and onto issues like mental health or even medication. Critics argue this is a deliberate distraction meant to protect the powerful gun lobby and avoid angering firearm manufacturers or their political supporters.
Senator Smith’s blunt response captures what many Americans feel: these tragedies are not happening because of antidepressants, video games, or movies. They are happening because of the easy access to firearms.
Until lawmakers are willing to take on gun reform seriously, communities will continue to grieve preventable losses. As Smith emphasized—
It’s the guns.
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