John Lennon and Selena Quintanilla-Pérez were charismatic performers killed by shooters. What do their assassins have in common, and what do each of us have in common with the assassins?
Lennon and Quintanilla-Pérez both were killed by obsessed fans who got sideways with them. Lennon’s killer — an average-looking Joe — was mad that Lennon — a magazine-cover star — had said the Beatles were more famous than Jesus. Quintanilla-Pérez’s killer — an average-looking Jane — was president of the fan club of Quintanilla-Pérez, a magazine-cover star. But the fan club president got caught embezzling funds.
Brad Bull
That brings us to the horrific killing of political megastar Charlie Kirk. His body was still warm as accusations began to fly. President Donald Trump said it was radical lunatic leftists. Congresswoman Nancy Mace said, “Democrats own this.” Those on the left blamed guns. Interestingly though, while it originated as a military weapon, the .30-06 allegedly used was more known as a big-game hunting rifle and, according to Search Assist, never has been specifically listed in legislation attempting to ban weapons.
However, emerging information has revealed alleged shooter Tyler Robinson to be the son of a conservative Trump-supporting Christian family. To boot, reports indicate he scored in the 99th percentile on his college entrance exam.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox admitted to having prayed the shooter would not be “one of us” but rather a foreigner — because that “would make it easier on us, if we could just say, ‘Hey, we don’t do that here,’. He said his prayer was not answered.
“My only aim is to raise a question about one possible piece of the puzzle I haven’t heard addressed.”
Issues like it being grossly bad theology to think God can alter what has already happened will have to be the subject of another article. For now: Yes, governor — and all the rest of us — it is easier to despise others rather than look in the mirror. But let’s try.
In the hustle to assign blame and establish motive, we might be well advised to reflect on the possibility of something more basic than political ideology. To be sure, there are toxic ideologies. However, we have to consider the complex interaction of multiple factors that drive behavior.
In the field of counseling, research has established that a counselor’s philosophy and techniques do impact reaching desired goals of improved well-being. However, of the many factors that influence success, the American Psychological Association has determined a positive trusting relationship between therapist and client is essential.
The impact of quality relationships versus broken connections. Amid the cauldron of blame that boils over in the wake of a heinous crime, we search so frantically to identify pet culprits outside ourselves that we often fail to reflect on how much we are like the perpetrators — even if not to the same degree.
It’s common to ask, “What makes all these shootings happen?” A more fruitful question might be, “What are the factors that stop even more of them from happening?”
“Lots of folks shoot guns, play video games, suffer heartaches and have strong opinions without killing people.”
Let’s face it, lots of folks shoot guns, play video games, suffer heartaches and have strong opinions without killing people. This article won’t explain that. My only aim is to raise a question about one possible piece of the puzzle I haven’t heard addressed.
In the very first story of Judeo-Christian culture, Cain killed Abel. Low and behold, no guns or video games or internet memes were involved. What was involved? Jealousy. Toxic, soul-eating, life-destroying jealousy.
Later in Scripture, Jacob — whom some might call a mamma’s boy — had to flee for his life when testosterone-rich Essau found out Jacob had cheated him out of his birthright and their father’s blessing. Enraged, Essau sought to kill Jacob. What was the poisonous taproot of both brothers’ behavior? Jealousy.
Let me be clear. I am not saying jealousy was the reason Tyler Robinson killed Charlie Kirk. However, I do think we can benefit from contemplating the implication to us if jealousy were even a small factor.
Let’s look at some possible dots to connect.
Both young men grew up in financial comfort in conservative Christian families. Both dropped out of college.
Kirk said his highest dream had been to go to West Point, but he was denied admission and — although he later backpedaled it as sarcasm — said his slot went to “‘a far less-qualified candidate of a different gender and a different persuasion.’” He then briefly attended Harper College before accepting a mentor’s advice to drop out and do political organizing.
As for Tyler Robinson, he received a four-year presidential scholarship to Utah State University but dropped out after one semester.
“A significant difference exists between these two young men who both chose to leave college.”
A significant difference exists between these two young men who both chose to leave college. Kirk exuded charisma. He used that charisma to organize a political juggernaut of dues-paying members, speaking engagements and a broadcast that led to him — according to a recent report citing public records — making about $400,000 per year and, by age 31, having about $12 million in assets. By contrast, one of Robinson’s acquaintances described him with the all-to-familiar cliché about those who carry out shootings: He was “quiet” and “kept to himself.”
What if?
Some of Robinson’s friends saw him as having the kind of intelligence that would make him “a billionaire by age 25.” But such an accomplishment requires a degree of charisma — of leadership panache.
What if quiet and usually gentle Robinson saw in Kirk someone with success he felt unable to achieve? Robinson allegedly told his family he saw Kirk as spreading hate. What if any apparent or asserted political motivation for Robinson killing Kirk (the belief he was protecting the world from supposed evil) is really a manifestation of what psychologists call “sublimation” — finding a socially acceptable reason to carry out a base impulse.
What if the real reason for the murder was the same as all the attempted, threatened or carried-out murders listed above — from ancient Scripture to modern America? What if Tyler Robinson’s ultimate motive was to eliminate one against whom he was jealous, and the gas of jealousy was ignited by a match of feeling offended or threatened?
More importantly, what is the implication for each of us? Maybe none of us reading this has killed anyone — at least in flesh and blood. Maybe we’ve been fortunate to have protective factors that intervene. Yet, which of us has not allowed life-force energy to be drained by comparing ourselves to others in ways that deplete us and stop us from connecting to others in ways that might bless them?
So, amidst all the clamor of speculation about motives and causes, let’s not miss the motive as old as time. And let’s especially not miss the chance to reflect on, take seriously and transform the flammable green eyes in our own mirror.
Brad Bull has served as a hospital chaplain, pastor and university professor. He currently works as a private practice therapist in Tennessee and Virginia. He’s a regular teller at storytelling events. His speaking and retreat services may be reached found at DrBradBull.com.
Related articles:
Will Charlie Kirk’s legacy really live on? | Analysis by Mark Wingfield
How Charlie Kirk went from college dropout to Trump influencer | Analysis by Mara Richards Bim
Listening to young adults explain their love for Charlie Kirk | Opinion by Rebecca Johnson