Assassinations and God’s Call to Life: A Reflection on Political Violence and Sanctity

Midnight Crier’s “Sanctity of Life” series addresses political assassinations and violence.

Tonight focuses on historical and recent events: JFK, MLK, RFK, Malcolm X, Trump assassination attempts, Nashville and Minneapolis school shootings, and Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

Historical Assassinations (1960s)

• John F. Kennedy (JFK) assassinated in 1963.

• Malcolm X assassinated in 1965.

• Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) and Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) assassinated in 1968.

• Targeted for their influential beliefs, challenging prevailing narratives.

Recent Tragic Events

• 2023 Nashville Covenant School shooting: 3 children and 3 adults killed by a transgender shooter targeting Christians.

• 2025 Minneapolis Annunciation Catholic School shooting: 2 children killed, 18 injured.

• Attempted assassinations of President Trump in July and September 2024.

• Charlie Kirk assassinated at Utah Valley University (2025).

Motives Behind Assassinations

• Victims targeted for differing beliefs or influence.

• Killings defy God’s call to peace and justice, stealing sacred lives.

Biblical Perspective on Life

• Torah’s command: “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) emphasizes the sanctity of life.

• John 10:10: Jesus promises abundant life, opposing murder’s destruction.

• Psalm 34:18: God comforts the brokenhearted, offering solace amid grief from political violence.

Church and Community Response

• Churches hold vigils and advocate for justice and life protection.

• Question raised: Are these efforts sufficient to address ongoing violence?

Critical Reflection

• Are lives truly valued as sacred and adequately protected?

• Does scripture’s promise of comfort and abundant life prevent murder or heal grief effectively?