Family Research Council President Tony Perkins addressed the recent New Year’s Eve terrorist attack in New Orleans, calling for national prayer and spiritual renewal in response to the tragedy that claimed 14 lives.
In his article, Perkins drew parallels between America’s response to foreign terrorism and the challenges of addressing domestic extremism. “When radical Middle Eastern terrorists flew American planes into American buildings killing Americans, we responded by going after them in their hideouts,” Perkins said. “But what do we do when a radicalized American drives an American truck onto an American sidewalk and kills Americans?”
The attack, which occurred on New Year’s Eve, involved a 42-year-old Texas native and former U.S. Army servicemember who drove a rented pickup truck into crowds of pedestrians. The incident has sparked renewed discussions about domestic radicalization and national security.
Perkins argued that the nation faces an ideological challenge rather than merely a tactical one. He expressed concern about what he sees as the removal of religious and moral frameworks from public institutions, suggesting this creates opportunities for extremist ideologies to take root.
Drawing from historical precedent, Perkins referenced Benjamin Franklin’s citation of Psalm 127 during the 1787 Constitutional Convention, emphasizing the role of faith in American governance. “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain,” he quoted.
The religious leader outlined specific prayer points for the nation, including:
- Support for victims and their families
- Strength for law enforcement and first responders
- Wisdom for state and national leaders
- National spiritual renewal
- Unity across communities
“I want both security and freedom. I’m not willing to trade one for the other,” Perkins stated, addressing concerns about balancing civil liberties with national security measures. He emphasized that throughout most of American history, the nation has successfully maintained both.
The New Orleans attack stands as one of the deadliest domestic terrorist incidents in recent years, prompting renewed discussions about national security, community resilience, and the role of faith in public life. As investigations continue, Perkins’s message highlights the ongoing debate about how best to address domestic terrorism while preserving American values and freedoms.