Thoughts from Rev. Frost ~ On the Attempted Assassination of Former President Donald J. Trump
On Saturday, July 13, 2024, former President Donald J. Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a political rally, suffering a graze wound to his ear from a gunshot fired by a rooftop gunman. The alleged shooter was killed by law enforcement, making the incident seem almost surreal. I find myself questioning whether this was a genuine threat to his life or a piece of staged political theater aimed at garnering votes for his reelection bid. Additionally, I wonder if this event will spark a renewed call for gun law reform now that Trump himself has become the victim of an active shooter.
It's perplexing how someone managed to get within 500 feet of a former President of the United States and fire a shot. The media coverage I've seen and heard so far shows counter-snipers positioned on a roof near Trump, adding to the confusion. Regardless of whether the incident was staged, the facts remain: the alleged gunman is dead, as is a man who shielded his wife and daughters, and two others are critically injured. Violence is not the solution to the issues facing our nation. While I don't wish harm on any political candidate or officeholder, I can't help but wonder if this recent event is a consequence of the hatred that Trump has sown and nurtured throughout his political career since the 2016 election. His rhetoric, including calls to "fight like hell" on January 6, may have rekindled such violence. Words have power; they influence others, even if the speaker doesn't fully grasp their impact.
This will truly be a test of our faith in loving our enemies, as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ taught us (Matthew 5:43-48). Challenging days lie ahead, and we must unite as a country to stand against violence. We should take up the mantle of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who often spoke of the power of non-violence: "Non-violence is a powerful and just weapon. Indeed, it is a weapon unique in history, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it."
As we learn more in the coming days, let us remain watchful and alert. Let's exercise our right to vote and work collectively to make this nation all it can be.
