Assassination Attempt
On Saturday, former President Trump survived the closest assassination attempt on a U.S. president since Reagan was shot in 1981.
What happened?
About five minutes into Trump speaking at a campaign rally in Butler, PA, multiple shots rang out. Trump grabbed his ear as Secret Service surrounded him. The former President had blood visible on the side of his face but raised a fist and waved as he was evacuated.
Doctors later confirmed that a bullet grazed Trump’s ear but that he’s otherwise “fine.” A 50-year-old former fire chief attending the rally was fatally shot, and two others were critically wounded. A Secret Service sniper shot and killed the shooter.
What do we know about the shooter?
Not much. The FBI says he was a 20-year-old Pennsylvania resident who had explosives in his car. Several witnesses reported attempting to alert authorities after seeing the shooter with a rifle crawling on a nearby roof minutes before shots were fired.
How have leaders responded?
President Biden condemned the violence, called for unity, and said he was praying for Trump; the political rivals spoke briefly by phone on Saturday night.
Trump called for unity and resilience, and politicians from across the spectrum have urged Americans “to turn the temperature down” on political rhetoric.
What happens now?
Investigations into the shooter’s motives and the Secret Service’s preparations for the rally are underway. Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle will testify before Congress on July 22.
The Republican National Convention will proceed as scheduled today in Milwaukee, WI; former President Trump said he’ll still attend and accept the party’s nomination on Thursday.
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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
In times of fear and violence, we turn to “the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). Join us in praying for the families of the lost and wounded and for our nation.
Almighty God… Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in thy Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home… all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer, “For Our Nation,” #39.