Read Time: 5 min 59 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

U.S. NEWS

NYC UHC CEO Shooting

The murder of a prominent businessman dominated headlines and social media feeds this week.

Last Wednesday morning in New York City, Brian Thompson was shot and killed on his way to a Manhattan hotel for a work conference. Mr. Thompson led UnitedHealthcare, the largest medical insurance company in America.

A manhunt for the shooter started. He fled on foot and boarded a bus out of New York. Then Monday, the suspect showed up at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, nearly 250 miles from the scene of the crime. Customers recognized him from police photos, and an employee alerted the police.

The 26-year-old suspect was arrested with a 3D-printed gun and bullets, multiple fake IDs, and cash. He also had a handwritten document that expressed “ill will” towards insurance “parasites.” Authorities think the shooting was motivated by resentment toward health insurance companies.

The suspect, who is well-educated and has no history of committing crimes, will plead not guilty. He’ll stay in jail until his trial because a judge thinks he’s too dangerous to be released. 

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Join us in prayer for the victim’s family, the suspect, and the suspect’s family—that the “God of all comfort” would move in power in this time of confusion and tragedy (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). 

“Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with all who love you.”
Book of Common Prayer, page 264

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Scary things sometimes interrupt everyday life, but God has given us everything we need to beat fear. 

We can be honest: some things in life are terrifying. But we can’t live in fear—it will rule us if we let it. When the Bible says, “Don’t be afraid” (which it says a lot), it almost always pairs the command with a promise of God’s presence. The truth is that he’s with us, and he’s acting for our good, no matter what our anxious feelings may be telling us.

So next time a scary thought interrupts your day, interrupt the interruption with some reassurance from the LORD: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 CSB).

How can I model loving an enemy when discussing this story?
In addition to anger at the shooter for taking a life, this story has stirred up anger in many Americans toward the insurance industry. 

Remind your kids that each person in this story is an image-bearer of God, which means each one is precious and dignified in his eyes. We can mourn and hate the fact that this tragedy will create ripples of brokenness for many people for a long time… but that doesn’t mean we can hate the people involved. Believers are called to love suspects and victims alike (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27-28; Romans 12:19-21).

• Discuss something that’s scared you recently. Help each other remember a promise of God that reassures you in the face of that fear.

• Memorize one of the Bible’s many “Fear not” passages, like Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand” (CSB).

• Pray for confidence in God’s presence to dwarf big fears.

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