Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is helped off the stage at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Donald Trump was speaking at a campaign rally this afternoon in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a series of pops that sounded like gunshots rang out. Mr. Trump’s face and ear were bloodied as he was rushed off the stage by Secret Service agents and escorted into his motorcade.
The shooting is being investigated as an attempted assassination of the former president.
At this writing, a person believed to be the shooter is dead as well as an audience member in attendance. Another person is believed to be in critical condition. The shooter was reportedly in a sniper position located hundreds of yards from Mr. Trump’s podium. He was shot and killed by Secret Service personnel.
Some gratifying responses
The official Team Trump account on X wrote, “President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.”
We would expect his political allies to respond with support for the former president, as they have. But it is gratifying to watch the reactions from those who are on the opposite side of the political spectrum:
- President Biden responded: “I’m grateful to hear that [Mr. Trump is] safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally.”
- Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated, “I thank God that former President Trump is safe.”
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was “horrified” by what happened and was “relieved that former President Trump is safe.”
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom said on X, “My thoughts are with President Trump and everyone impacted at the rally today.
- House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries responded, “My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump. I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”
- And independent candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. posted to X, “Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family.”
What does this say about our nation and our future?
“The only nation that is founded on a creed”
In many countries around the world, violence against political opponents is an endemic part of the culture. Russian President Vladimir Putin has systematically and violently stamped out opposition to his regime. The autocrats in Communist China and North Korea do the same. In my many trips to Cuba, I was cautioned never to speak negatively about the Communist leaders, even in my hotel room, for fear of reprisals.
By contrast, Americans across the political spectrum are horrified by what has happened this afternoon. Why?
British writer G. K. Chesterton observed, “America is the only nation that is founded on a creed.” This creedal conviction that we are equally granted “unalienable rights” to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” is on full display today.
And this creedal conviction itself points us to the origin of these rights: “all men are created equal.” Each one of us, from Donald Trump to his bitterest political rivals, is created uniquely and intentionally by God in his image (Genesis 1:27). This biblical conviction, more than any other single factor, explains the uniqueness and vitality of our nation.
As a result, violence such as we witnessed today horrifies each of us, as it should. And it calls us to pray fervently for Mr. Trump’s continued safety, for the safety of President Biden and all our other elected officials, and for the Secret Service and others who protect our leaders and our citizens.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness”
In addition, I am praying for God to redeem today’s tragedy by using it to expose the deadly dangers of political animosity. Hate in speech becomes hate in action. Condemning those with whom we disagree dehumanizes them and incites violence against them.
If we don’t want what happened today to happen again tomorrow, we must heed the words of our Lord:
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44).
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was prophetic when he declared:
Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.
How will you drive out the darkness and hate in America today?
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