“In moments of tragedy and horror, America comes together as one. And it always has.”
President Donald Trump held a press conference to address the nation which this morning found itself “United in Shock” following a mass shooting at a country music festival in Las Vegas on Sunday night.
With more than 50 people dead and over 400 others injured, the October 1 shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival is now the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. History.
In his speech to the public, Trump called the heinous massacre an “act of pure evil,” before extending gratitude to Las Vegas law enforcement and all of the first responders for their “courageous efforts,” and for helping to save hundreds of lives.
Like many before him, The Commander in Chief delivered the basic facts of what is known about Sunday night’s chaos the way any president would: with concern and grief.
But Trump’s speech was very different than some that we’ve heard in the past. And it’s the hope that we desperately needed to hear from the nation’s highest leaders on this tragic morning.
Quoting scripture, Trump referenced Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
“We seek comfort in those words,” Trump said, “for we know God lives in the hearts of those who grieve.”
The president extended his sincere condolences to the hundreds of fellow citizens who are now mourning the sudden loss of a loved one.
“To the families of the victims, we are praying for you, and we are here for you. And we ask God to help see you through this very dark period.”
Sharing in the confusion and grief that most everyone in America must be feeling, President Trump spoke words of encouragement over the entire nation:
“I know we are searching for some kind of meaning the chaos, some kind of light in the darkness. The answers do not come easy. But we can take solace, knowing that even the darkest space can be brightened by a single light, and even the most terrible despair can be illuminated by a single ray of hope.”
Terror and evil have no place here.
“Our unity cannot be shattered by evil, our bonds cannot be broken by violence, and though we feel such great anger at the senseless murder of our fellow citizens, it is our love that defines us today. It always will, forever.”
Trump shared that he and Malania are sincerely praying for unity among our great nation, and for love to prevail.
“We pray for the entire nation to find unity and peace, and we pray for the day when evil is banished, and the innocent are safe from hatred and fear.”
And before closing his press conference, Trump did what few have done before: He called on God to bless and heal and provide for our country—in ways that only He can do so.
“May God bless the souls of the lives that are lost, may God give us the grace of healing and may God provide the grieving families with strength to carry on.”
Our hearts and prayers are with the victims and families of this horrible tragedy.
We’re thankful for the Hope that is found in Jesus Christ, and for the courage of our president to speak Truth over our nation this morning.
