Republican National Convention, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry (R) put forth a controversial theory linking the presence of the Ten Commandments in schools to preventing violent acts, including the recent shooting of former President Donald Trump.
During a Thursday discussion with Nexstar Media, Landry defended a new Louisiana law mandating that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public classroom. The law, which has sparked significant debate, uses taxpayer dollars to address legal challenges related to its implementation.
Landry framed the decision to support the mandate as straightforward, questioning, “If the Supreme Court has something wrong, why would you not want that to be corrected? What is the price you would pay to correct that?” His comments reflect his belief in the moral and legal correctness of the law, despite ongoing legal battles.
In a striking assertion, Landry suggested that had the Ten Commandments been present in the classroom of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the individual who shot at Trump, the tragic event might have been avoided. “Maybe if the Ten Commandments were hanging inside the Trump shooter’s school,” Landry speculated, “maybe he wouldn’t have taken a shot at the president.”
Landry’s argument extended to the broader benefits he believes the Ten Commandments could bring. He argued that the display of these religious texts might help reduce crime, lower violence rates, and restore civility in society. “It’s a price that I’m glad to pay to hopefully keep kids out of crime, to reduce violence and to bring some civility back to the country,” he stated.
The shooting incident occurred during a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, where Crooks, 20, fired at the former president before being fatally shot by the Secret Service. Trump was injured in the attack, and the incident resulted in one death and two injuries among rally attendees. Investigations are ongoing, and while Crooks had searched online for information about Trump, President Joe Biden, and major depressive disorder, his exact motivations remain unclear.
Landry’s statements have drawn criticism and skepticism from various quarters, questioning the connection he makes between religious displays and the prevention of violent acts. As the debate continues, the focus remains on the broader implications of Louisiana’s new law and its potential impact on educational environments and public safety.
