We now know that at least one Trump supporter was killed at a rally in Pennsylvania and two remain in a critical condition as an assassination attempt on Trump occurred – but thankfully failed. The gunman is dead, and we await full details of this horrific atrocity.
Had the shots been just a half an inch in a different direction, we would have a national funeral to attend to. Thankfully the death toll was not higher, and thankfully the gunman missed out on getting his target murdered. It all could have been so very much worse.
Trump of course stood up after he was shot with a clenched fist, reassuring the crowd he was still alive and that he would not be cowed by these acts of violence. He said this in a statement:
I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
And his daughter Ivanka Trump released this statement: “Thank you for your love and prayers for my father and for the other victims of today’s senseless violence in Butler, Pennsylvania. I am grateful to the Secret Service and all the other law enforcement officers for their quick and decisive actions today. I continue to pray for our country. I love you Dad, today and always.”
Politics
That there is a lot of hatred and division in America is an understatement. While both sides of politics can be guilty of this, one has to ask just which ones are the main culprits here. The truth is, the hardcore secular left, including too many Democrats, have been spouting off hatred and even violence-inducing talk concerning Trump for years now.
Yes, all sorts of plain old nutters and haters are a part of this, but we also have too many others, be they Hollywood celebs or leftist politicians, who have constantly used inflammatory language as they directly or indirectly called for Trump to be taken out.
A full article and more could be penned quoting from these folks. Just this week Biden called Trump “evil” and a “racist”. And simply recall the American “comedian” and lefty Kathy Griffin holding a mock severed and bloodied head of Trump back in 2017. I wrote about it here at the time: https://billmuehlenberg.com/2017/06/03/hate-rage-demonised-left/
Some Republicans are calling out the Biden administration for adding fuel to fire in this regard. Possible running mate for Trump, Sen. J. D. Vance said this: “Today is not just some isolated incident. The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs.”
So much of the mainstream media is also to blame here. Just think of all the magazine covers or websites with depictions of Trump as Hitler and the like. They have fanned the flames of hatred and must share in some of the responsibility for this assassination attempt.
Indeed, simply running with the ugly and divisive rhetoric of Trump being an “existential threat to democracy” and the like is just as much a part of the problem we have here. The level of irrational and demonic hatred of Trump and the Republicans is off the charts.
And just imagine if there was an assassination attempt on Joe Biden instead. Likely by now American cities would be burning with leftist mobs and rioters venting their spleens. I am not aware of any such reaction so far from those on the conservative side of politics.
As I say, there are haters on the right, and some might even be calling for violence. But I would insist that they certainly are not true Christians, and they are not really to be considered real conservatives as well. But all sides need to reduce the temperature and ease up on the hateful rhetoric.
Prayer
The first thing I thought of when I heard the news of this shooting of the former president was that although I pray for Trump every day, I will need to pray even more – and more fervently. That we should pray for our leaders is of course obvious for the Christian. As we read in I Timothy 2:1-3:
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.”
Prayer is essential in all areas of life, including the political – perhaps even more so there. Satan seeks to do his worst in all aspects of this world, and seems especially adept when it comes to the political and cultural battles of the day. This is why all believers should be praying regularly in this arena.
And BTW, lest my (and Trump’s) critics claim I am being one-sided here when it comes to intercession and prayer, let me say this: I also pray every single day for Joe Biden. I pray daily for Kamala Harris. I pray daily for politicians like Gavin Newsom.
I also pray daily for other leftist leaders, be they Macron, Trudeau or Albanese here in Australia. Of course I also pray for the Australian opposition leader Dutton. And then I pray for the various Labor Premiers, such as Jacinta Allan. That is the least I can do as a believer.
We should pray for the nations that we live in. When the enemy wants to bring hatred and division and bloodshed, we can pray for the opposite. As I just read again this morning in Proverbs 10:11-12:
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Hatred stirs up strife,
but love covers all offenses.
The hateful rhetoric needs to be nipped in the bud, certainly on the left, but on all sides of politics. Please pray for Trump and his full recovery, and please pray for America. Let me finish with words of Alveda C. King, the niece of assassinated civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.:
I grieve today for the hatred that was displayed tonight as an assassination attempt was made on the life of President Trump. I am forever grateful for the brave men and women of the Secret Service. My prayers are with President Trump, his family and all of America tonight! Deep prayers for everyone bereaved, injured or traumatized at this moment. Pray for America and humanity. It’s time for our nation to commit itself to prayer, forgiveness, nonviolence and unity.
Thank God Trump is okay. Amen. Thank God Putin is okay. Biden and the American Left and the Democrats compare Putin and Russia to Hitler. This is why people hate the Russians, this hatred of Russia is not acceptable in a civilized American country. Whatever you think of Ukraine, it is not worth comparing Russia’s actions to those of Hitler in the past. And it also is biased to call it an “invasion” of Ukraine. This rhetoric is prejudicial and premature. God bless America. God bless Russia. God bless Ukraine. God bless Trump and Biden and Kennedy. Amen.
A very prompt and up to date account Bill.
Yes, pray for leaders in name.
After the attempt, I listened, to a 10 am live Church service, on line, from interstate. I was shocked as there was no mention of prayer or caring for Trump’s condition. Not one word. So this reading is prayer backed. Thank you.
Thanks Bill – A prayer for all leaders of the world, of our nation, and even down to the local level. Modified slightly from Acts 26:18.
1 Corinthians 1:18-19 NASB
[18] For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. [19] For it is written, “I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.”
“Open their ears and eyes so to hear the truth of your Word. That they submit to Jesus and the Gospel. That they understand their sin leading to repentance, and salvation – and by hearing truth they turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That they begin to govern in righteousness and no longer give hearty approval to those that live and govern in darkness.
Thank you Bill. This happened where I grew up. A rural conservative area in PA. I never thought something like this would happen there. DC, LA…. Any liberal city, maybe, but not little Butler, PA. It hurts to see just how far it’s gone. Thank you for your prayers and care.
Thank you Bill for a very comprehensive and heart felt report on the attempt to assassinate former President Trump.
I am thanking God, along with many others, that He averted a tragedy and also Trump ducked in time to avoid the second lot of bullets. No doubt God had a hand in His protection.
Thank you for your balanced viewpoint exhorting prayer for all men (and women) in positions of authority and to pray from them no matter what side they are on, according to 1 Timothy 2:1-3. May God comfort the families who have lost a loved one and those injured (who were Trump supporters). That part is terribly sad.
Thanking God for the quick action of the CIA Intelligence and army. They were heroic.
May God heal any ear injury for Trump and any affects of PTSD. May more intercessors be raised up to pray at this time so good comes from averted tragedy.
P.S. It remains to be seen what motivated this young 20 year old to take the life of Trump….No one as yet seems to know (except the Lord what motivation was behind it) …but meanwhile may God avert any other plots or plans for the wicked one (Satan) and may The USA return to a state of peace as far as possible.
Bill,
I, unfortunately, as I would rather have been proved wrong, am entirely unsurprised by the assassination attempt. The melting pot of America’s politics has been a witches cauldron for many years fomenting (fermenting?) hatred among the masses. Add the right to bear arms and some one was bound to assassinate someone.
America is a house divided against itself proudly declaring it leads the world in bringing peace.
The cauldron has boiled over and now the remonstrations, investigations and ramifications begin. Like young children pointing fingers at each other over who did what to whom and which is the one who is to blame for it all, the next phase of the clashes between left and right begin.
Already CNN has criticized Trump for his fist pump and “Fight, fight, fight!” as a call to arms when it is more akin to fighting the good fight. (Never give up never surrender – Commander Quincy Taggart, Galaxy Quest).
Accusations and denials have started about whether requests were made to increase security details.
The problem could possibly lie (pun unintended) in rhetoric being taken as truth and deliberate misquotations and/or exaggerations being plastered across advertising mediums. All these lies are going to come home to not just roost but bring the house down.
America is not the example we should follow. The opposite is closer to the truth of the matter. HONOUR GOD AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR.
Prayer is needed for King Charles & the Royal Family, too. They’ve got their troubles, too! We’ve got the best system of Govt in Australia; the Constitutional Monarchy system!
I notice I haven’t heard anything from Trump’s wife, Melania; about the assassination attempt?
Hi Bill
Don’t know who you have in your reading circle, but Mr. Harrington would need help finding a course in political science
“And it also is biased to call it an “invasion” of Ukraine”
You can’t say that any day of the week
Rolf Ö
Sweden
And it also is biased to call it an “invasion” of Ukraine.
Glory Be to God for ALL those who Pray for Our Leaders daily, Bill – that’s Gold!
Abba Father thank you for these Intercessors.
Lord, help me find the time & wherewithal for intercessory prayer to do just that – so many lost souls here on my personal radar and also deceived Christians.
Love & Blessings in Jesus Mighty Name ?
How does a shooter get on a roof, apparently just 350ft away and in clear view of the stadium, with a rifle and no one take action? I would have expected him to be spotted immediately by security and this information be radioed immediately to all security personnel and immediate, predetermined protective measures taken. Surely it should have been obvious which vantage points should have been watched.
Yes the endless, policy-avoiding, ad hominem attacks on DJT are largely to blame, especially when the rhetoric has gotten so absurdly out of hand but there will always be nutters about.
Thank God Trump is okay. Amen. Thank God Putin is okay. Biden and the American Left and the Democrats compare Putin and Russia to Hitler. This is why people hate the Russians, this hatred of Russia is not acceptable in a civilized American country. Whatever you think of Ukraine, it is not worth comparing Russia’s actions to those of Hitler in the past. And it also is biased to call it an “invasion” of Ukraine. This rhetoric is prejudicial and premature. God bless America. God bless Russia. God bless Ukraine. God bless Trump and Biden and Kennedy. Amen.
A very prompt and up to date account Bill.
Yes, pray for leaders in name.
After the attempt, I listened, to a 10 am live Church service, on line, from interstate. I was shocked as there was no mention of prayer or caring for Trump’s condition. Not one word. So this reading is prayer backed. Thank you.
Thanks Bill – A prayer for all leaders of the world, of our nation, and even down to the local level. Modified slightly from Acts 26:18.
1 Corinthians 1:18-19 NASB
[18] For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. [19] For it is written, “I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.”
“Open their ears and eyes so to hear the truth of your Word. That they submit to Jesus and the Gospel. That they understand their sin leading to repentance, and salvation – and by hearing truth they turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That they begin to govern in righteousness and no longer give hearty approval to those that live and govern in darkness.
Thank you Bill. This happened where I grew up. A rural conservative area in PA. I never thought something like this would happen there. DC, LA…. Any liberal city, maybe, but not little Butler, PA. It hurts to see just how far it’s gone. Thank you for your prayers and care.
Thank you Bill for a very comprehensive and heart felt report on the attempt to assassinate former President Trump.
I am thanking God, along with many others, that He averted a tragedy and also Trump ducked in time to avoid the second lot of bullets. No doubt God had a hand in His protection.
Thank you for your balanced viewpoint exhorting prayer for all men (and women) in positions of authority and to pray from them no matter what side they are on, according to 1 Timothy 2:1-3. May God comfort the families who have lost a loved one and those injured (who were Trump supporters). That part is terribly sad.
Thanking God for the quick action of the CIA Intelligence and army. They were heroic.
May God heal any ear injury for Trump and any affects of PTSD. May more intercessors be raised up to pray at this time so good comes from averted tragedy.
P.S. It remains to be seen what motivated this young 20 year old to take the life of Trump….No one as yet seems to know (except the Lord what motivation was behind it) …but meanwhile may God avert any other plots or plans for the wicked one (Satan) and may The USA return to a state of peace as far as possible.
Bill,
I, unfortunately, as I would rather have been proved wrong, am entirely unsurprised by the assassination attempt. The melting pot of America’s politics has been a witches cauldron for many years fomenting (fermenting?) hatred among the masses. Add the right to bear arms and some one was bound to assassinate someone.
America is a house divided against itself proudly declaring it leads the world in bringing peace.
The cauldron has boiled over and now the remonstrations, investigations and ramifications begin. Like young children pointing fingers at each other over who did what to whom and which is the one who is to blame for it all, the next phase of the clashes between left and right begin.
Already CNN has criticized Trump for his fist pump and “Fight, fight, fight!” as a call to arms when it is more akin to fighting the good fight. (Never give up never surrender – Commander Quincy Taggart, Galaxy Quest).
Accusations and denials have started about whether requests were made to increase security details.
The problem could possibly lie (pun unintended) in rhetoric being taken as truth and deliberate misquotations and/or exaggerations being plastered across advertising mediums. All these lies are going to come home to not just roost but bring the house down.
America is not the example we should follow. The opposite is closer to the truth of the matter. HONOUR GOD AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR.
Prayer is needed for King Charles & the Royal Family, too. They’ve got their troubles, too! We’ve got the best system of Govt in Australia; the Constitutional Monarchy system!
I notice I haven’t heard anything from Trump’s wife, Melania; about the assassination attempt?
Hi Bill
Don’t know who you have in your reading circle, but Mr. Harrington would need help finding a course in political science
“And it also is biased to call it an “invasion” of Ukraine”
You can’t say that any day of the week
Rolf Ö
Sweden
And it also is biased to call it an “invasion” of Ukraine.
Glory Be to God for ALL those who Pray for Our Leaders daily, Bill – that’s Gold!
Abba Father thank you for these Intercessors.
Lord, help me find the time & wherewithal for intercessory prayer to do just that – so many lost souls here on my personal radar and also deceived Christians.
Love & Blessings in Jesus Mighty Name ?
How does a shooter get on a roof, apparently just 350ft away and in clear view of the stadium, with a rifle and no one take action? I would have expected him to be spotted immediately by security and this information be radioed immediately to all security personnel and immediate, predetermined protective measures taken. Surely it should have been obvious which vantage points should have been watched.
Yes the endless, policy-avoiding, ad hominem attacks on DJT are largely to blame, especially when the rhetoric has gotten so absurdly out of hand but there will always be nutters about.