Christian perspectives on news and current events.
The following is a transcription of On the Lord’s Side Podcast presented on GospelBellsRadio on April 27, 2026 by Olufemi Oguntokun. It may not fully match with the audio, but represents a near perfect transcription of the broadcast.
On the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting Incident
Good morning to you once again. It’s Monday, the 27th of April 2026. The programme is On the Lord’s Side: Christian Perspectives on News and Current Events. My name is Olufemi Oguntokun. You can follow me on X at Olufemi OG, and you can follow Gospel Bells Radio on X at Gospel Bells Radio.
By now, you must have heard about the shooting incident connected to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. What news it was to wake up to. Now, with Donald Trump, events have often been something of a roller coaster. You will recall that during his campaign to return to the presidency, he was shot at during a campaign event—the bullet grazed his ear and tragically killed one of his supporters. Then, still during the campaign, a gunman was discovered hiding in the woods on his estate in Florida and was later arrested.
But the one that happened on Saturday was quite chilling. Initially, there were reports suggesting it occurred on the grounds of the White House, but subsequent clarification showed that it took place at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
This is a major black-tie event, with approximately 2,600 guests in attendance, including President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, members of the Cabinet, journalists, and other dignitaries.
At about 8:34 p.m., a suspect attempted to breach a security checkpoint near the main metal detector screening area, one floor above the ballroom. He ran past security and fired at least one shot. Reports indicate that he exchanged gunfire with law enforcement and was quickly apprehended by Secret Service agents and other officers.
You can imagine the panic that would ensue at an event where the President was present. Security agents immediately moved to evacuate the President and other dignitaries. Some videos showed President Trump falling as agents shielded him and moved him out, while the First Lady crouched for safety. Vice President J.D. Vance was also swiftly escorted out.
This is standard protocol. Even if only one attacker is identified, security agents assume the possibility of a broader coordinated threat and immediately secure all principals.
Thankfully, there were no fatalities. But the incident raises serious questions about security—even at the highest levels. Some have argued that it exposes weaknesses in the Secret Service; others have said it shows that no human security system is foolproof.
As believers, we are reminded of the truth of Scripture: “Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” No matter how sophisticated human security may be, it can still be breached. This is not an excuse for laxity, but a reminder that ultimate security is found in God.
On the Gunman’s Manifesto and Misuse of Scripture
The suspect, identified as Cole Thomas Allen, reportedly published a manifesto shortly before the attack. This is, sadly, a pattern among many perpetrators of gun violence—they often write out their motives beforehand.
In his manifesto, he described himself as a “friendly federal assassin” and expressed intent to target officials in the Trump administration. He used inflammatory language, calling them criminals, and shockingly stated he was willing to harm others to reach his target.
Even more disturbing, he referenced Christian ideas in an attempt to justify his actions. He argued that “turning the other cheek” should not apply when others are being oppressed, claiming that failing to act violently would be complicity.
This is a profound misinterpretation of Scripture.
It is a dangerous thing to begin with a conclusion and then attempt to force the Bible to support it. The correct approach is the opposite: we submit to Scripture and follow it wherever it leads.
The Bible was given by God; we are not its authors. Therefore, we do not bend it to fit our desires. No matter how noble one’s intentions may seem, the moment one resolves to do evil in order to achieve good, one has departed from the Word of God.
Scripture never endorses doing wrong to accomplish right. Passages such as “turn the other cheek,” “vengeance is mine, says the Lord,” and “if anyone takes your cloak, give him your tunic also” stand firmly against such reasoning.
On the Man Who Kept Eating His Salad Amid Panic
An unusual moment from the incident has captured public attention: a man who continued calmly eating his salad while chaos unfolded around him.
When interviewed, he gave simple reasons—he had a bad back and couldn’t get under the table, he didn’t want to dirty his tuxedo, and he was used to such situations growing up in New York.
While many have found this humorous, there is a deeper lesson here.
This calmness can serve as a metaphor for the inner peace God calls His people to have—even in the midst of chaos. This is not to say we should neglect safety or fail to act prudently, but that inwardly, we should remain anchored.
Psalm 46 comes to mind:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed…”
Even in extreme turmoil, the believer is called to a deep, settled confidence in God.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
That stillness is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of trust.
On the Feud Between Peter Okoye and His Twin Brother
Another story drawing attention is the ongoing dispute between Peter Okoye and his twin brother, formerly of the music group P-Square.
The two brothers, once highly successful together, are now estranged and reportedly involved in legal disputes over financial matters. Recently, Peter Okoye made headlines by expressing a desire to change his birthday—apparently to avoid sharing it with his twin.
This has drawn widespread criticism. One commentator poignantly asked: even if money was involved, when did blood become less important than money?
This raises an important reflection. Financial disputes have destroyed many relationships—between siblings, friends, even members of the same church.
The Bible teaches us to forbear one another. This does not mean condoning wrongdoing, but it does mean recognizing that there are lines we should not cross.
The Apostle Paul even questioned why believers would take disputes before unbelievers, thereby bringing disrepute upon the name of Christ.
For the Christian, the reputation of Christ—and even the dignity of family—should sometimes outweigh personal financial loss.
This is where the Holy Spirit plays a vital role. He moderates our responses. He reminds us: “You have been wronged, but you must not cross this line.”
May we never experience the absence of the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
On a Dispatch Rider Eating a Customer’s Food
Finally, a viral video has sparked outrage: a dispatch rider was caught eating from a customer’s food order before delivery.
Some have attempted to justify this by pointing to economic hardship, arguing that people are hungry and frustrated.
But this reasoning is deeply flawed.
Hardship does not justify wrongdoing. If we accept such logic, then any crime could be excused under the banner of necessity.
This act is not only unethical but dangerous. It poses health risks and violates trust. Moreover, it reflects a broader issue—people justifying wrong actions because of circumstances.
As discussed earlier, doing wrong to achieve relief or perceived justice is never acceptable.
Vendors are also encouraged to package food securely so that tampering is immediately evident.
These are indeed troubling times, but we must not lose our moral compass.
Thank you very much for staying with us this morning on GospelBellsRadio.
From the Lord’s side we stand—Christian perspectives on current events. By the grace of God, I’ll be with you again tomorrow.
Whatever you do today, please remain firmly on the Lord’s side.
God bless you.The episode ended with a prayer for comfort for those affected by tragedy and a renewed call for believers to remain steadfast in faith.
GospelBellsRadio continues its mission to engage the culture with the mind of Christ.
