U.S. House Speaker Appeals to ‘Better Angels’ After Series of Tragedies

By Charlie McCarthy | Monday, 15 December 2025 03:20 PM EST

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) urged Americans to turn to Scripture and “appeal to our better angels” during moments of horrific events.

In remarks released on Monday, Johnson addressed recent tragedies including the deadly shootings at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, an attack in Australia that killed 15 people, a terrorist strike in Syria claiming three American lives, and the murders of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife.

Speaking to reporters at the Capitol, Johnson stated he learned of the Reiner killings “as many did this morning,” describing them as “an unspeakable family tragedy” and “another reminder of just the senseless violence and evil that is so rampant in our society.”

Johnson noted preliminary information indicated Rob Reiner’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was suspected and had been taken into custody. He offered prayers for the Reiner family and those affected.

According to authorities, Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead at their home, with their son, Nick Reiner, detained as part of an ongoing investigation.

Johnson cited Psalm 34: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” when discussing moments of national grief.

The speaker then expanded his remarks to recent global incidents. He referenced the “slaughter of Jewish young people celebrating Hanukkah” at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, which left at least 15 dead, and a Brown University shooting that killed two students and wounded nine during final exams.

Police initially detained a person of interest in the Brown University case but later released him after the investigation shifted direction with no charges filed.

Johnson also highlighted the loss of Americans overseas, citing the Syria attack where U.S. military personnel were killed.

The U.S. military reported that two service members and a civilian interpreter were killed near Palmyra, Syria, with additional U.S. personnel wounded.

Johnson emphasized that in a holiday season centered on faith, family, and peace, Americans must respond to evil with moral clarity rather than cynicism.

“We see evil all around us,” Johnson said, adding that as Hanukkah began and Christmas approached, the nation should “appeal to our better angels” and “amplify those voices and sentiments.”

For conservatives, Johnson’s message underscored a familiar truth: public safety is vital but spiritual resilience must not be overlooked.

Faced with terrorism abroad, campus violence, and domestic tragedies, Johnson called for the country to strengthen cultural foundations that reject hatred and refuse to normalize it.