The recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, has sent shockwaves throughout the nation. The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated. As Trump enjoyed a Sunday round of golf, a would-be assassin, armed with an AK-style rifle, was positioned merely 400 yards away, ready to strike. Thanks to the quick reflexes of a U.S. Secret Service agent, the worst was averted, but this incident raises important questions about the security of a man who remains a leading figure in our nation’s political landscape.

This assassination attempt reveals a dark and troubling aspect of contemporary America. How did it come to this? How did we reach a point where an attempted assassination on a former president happens so brazenly, with a heavily armed assailant stalking him on a golf course? The fact that Trump has now faced two assassination attempts—the first occurring at a rally in Pennsylvania just months ago—signals that something is deeply wrong with our political culture.

The answer lies in the poisonous political rhetoric that has been relentlessly directed at Donald Trump. Prominent Democrats and media figures have repeatedly demonized Trump and his supporters, labeling them as “semi-fascists” and “domestic terrorists.” Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and others have fed a narrative that portrays Trump as a clear and present danger to democracy. Kamala Harris, in particular, has described Trump as responsible for a “bloodbath.” It is this type of unhinged rhetoric that fuels the fire of violence in our nation.

While we must hold the individual responsible for this attempted assassination accountable, we also need to address the root causes of this violence. There is a real and growing willingness across the political spectrum to justify violence against political opponents. According to a recent survey, many Americans, both on the left and right, believe that violence is warranted to eliminate their foes.

The tragic irony is that those who accuse Trump of inciting violence are themselves contributing to a climate in which political violence becomes normalized. As Miranda Devine of the New York Post pointed out, Democrats like Tim Walz and Chris Murphy have not only demonized Trump, but have explicitly painted him as a candidate running on a platform of violence. Such inflammatory statements, combined with a culture that increasingly glorifies division and conflict, make it unsurprising that assassination attempts like the one we just witnessed have become a reality.

As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers, but we must also speak truth to power. It is time for the media and political elites to take responsibility for their role in escalating the political temperature. The Bible tells us in James 3:6 that “the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.” Words have power, and when used irresponsibly, they can ignite violence.

The debate over whether Donald Trump deserves the same level of security as a sitting president is misguided. The real issue is why we live in a nation where such security is even necessary. The fact that Trump’s life remains in danger, despite his exit from the White House, should be a wake-up call for all Americans. Political violence has no place in a civilized society, and it is time for both parties to come together to condemn all forms of violent rhetoric, regardless of its source.

Lastly, Christians must continue to pray for the safety of Donald Trump and all our leaders, regardless of their political affiliation. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 tells us that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, [should] be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” Let us take this command to heart and ask the Lord to soften the hearts of those who would seek to divide us through hatred and violence.

In conclusion, the attempted assassination of Donald Trump is a sobering reminder of the spiritual and political battles that America is facing. The answer to our nation’s turmoil is not more violence, nor is it more hateful rhetoric. The answer lies in turning our hearts back to God, who alone can heal our divisions and restore peace. Let us pray for wisdom, protection, and unity as we move forward, trusting in the Lord’s guidance in these perilous times.