A conservative activist was killed on the University of Utah campus recently. Additionally, a lawmaker and her husband tragically injured their beloved dog. It seems political figures are facing increasing threats these days; in fact, the son of a judge was murdered during an attack at their home in 2020. The January 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol led to injuries for around 140 law enforcement personnel.
Reading about political violence certainly evokes a strong reaction in us. Yet, when it appears in your life, the impact can feel even more profound. I remember this vividly—it was July 27, 2008, when my wife and I and our church community experienced it firsthand.
That day, Jim David Adkisson, an unemployed truck driver, took a modified shotgun in a guitar case and headed toward the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville. He brought along a bag filled with 76 shells, planning a massacre that ultimately ended with his own death during a confrontation with police.
Adkisson’s home had few books, mostly filled with hate from talk radio hosts. He left behind a note expressing his frustration at not being able to kill the “liberals and Democrats,” stating instead that he could target those who had voted for them. There was also a homophobic rant in his notebook.
At the church, a special performance of Annie Jr., featuring mostly child actors, had just begun, with my friend, Professor John Bourstead from the University of Tennessee, in the role of Daddy Warbucks, waiting for his cue. Adkisson entered the church and took up position behind the sanctuary, drawing his weapon. Usher Greg McKendry was near him; some say he was caught off guard, while others claim he approached the shooter. Either way, his brave actions played a significant role in preventing further casualties.
Initially, my own reaction to the attack was instinctual; I ducked under a pew. Among the chaos, I caught a glimpse of the shooter—his curly gray hair and expressionless eyes fixed in an unsettling stare. Just then, Adkisson fired another shot before several brave individuals tackled him to restrain him. Our congregation displayed acts of heroism that day, which was critical in preventing an even worse situation.
Tragically, Greg McKendry lost his life that day, and Linda Krager, a visitor from another church, also did not survive. Six more individuals were seriously injured.
In the aftermath, we saw an outpouring of support. Over the following days, the Fellowship Hall was filled with flowers and condolences from all over the world. We had access to counseling, and law enforcement treated us well; they aligned with the sentiment that Adkisson should never experience freedom again.
At nearby churches, congregations gathered to support the survivors. Local pastors and leaders from the Unitarian Universalist Association spoke, offering comfort and solidarity.
As the years went by, the reality of political violence struck deeper, making me aware of how pervasive hatred can actually be. It’s a complicated emotion, and it often pushes us to see those we disagree with as adversaries. But there’s a sense of urgency to find common ground and to aim our critiques at ideas rather than individuals. Political violence has numerous triggers, but we know that sensible gun safety laws can mitigate some of these issues, even if they can’t eliminate them entirely. They can also help in reducing accidental shootings and suicides.
It’s important to nurture critical thinking, advocate for the truth, and fight against a perspective that prioritizes division over understanding. Reflecting on painful memories can be challenging, but it makes the moments of joy and connection feel even more significant. So, let’s hold on to those connections, express our feelings freely, and share a laugh when we can, all while focusing on love and compassion for those around us.
