House Speaker Mike Johnson Calls for National ‘Better Angels’ Appeal Amid Global Tragedies

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., urged Americans to turn to Scripture and “appeal to our better angels” during moments of national tragedy this week.

Speaking at the Capitol on Monday, Johnson addressed a series of recent violent events including deadly shootings at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and an attack in Australia that killed 15 people. He also referenced the recent killing of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, as well as two U.S. service members and a civilian interpreter killed in an attack near Palmyra, Syria.

Johnson described the Reiner couple’s deaths as “an unspeakable family tragedy” and noted that their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, had been taken into custody as the investigation continued. He said he learned of the killings “as many did this morning.”

The speaker cited Psalm 34: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” urging Americans to respond to evil with moral clarity rather than cynicism during a holiday season that traditionally emphasizes faith, family, and peace. Johnson further noted the attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that left at least 15 people dead, including Jewish young people celebrating Hanukkah, and the Brown University shooting that killed two students and wounded nine during final exams.

“We see evil all around us,” Johnson said. “In moments of national grief, my thoughts go to Scripture — specifically Psalm 34: ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.'” The speaker called for the nation to amplify voices that reject hatred and refuse to normalize violence as the country approaches Christmas.