Recent events have prompted deep sorrow for many Americans, particularly in light of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. This tragedy highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in schools and on college campuses, where such incidents have become alarmingly routine. House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the situation, stating, "Political violence has become all too common in American society, and this is not who we are." However, this acknowledgment raises questions about the nature of American identity, suggesting that violence is indeed a part of it, albeit a regrettable one.

The legacy of political violence in the United States is long and troubling. On April 4, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy arrived in Indianapolis to deliver a campaign speech when he learned of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. His immediate reaction was one of despair: "My God, when is this violence going to stop?" Tragically, just two months later, Kennedy himself was assassinated. In a poignant speech that night, he reflected on the state of the nation, asking, "what kind of a nation we are and what direction we want to move in."

Kennedy's ability to articulate grief and lament was influenced by his studies of classical literature. He quoted Aeschylus, saying, "Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God."

The recent release of a film adaptation of the musical "Hamilton" serves as a reminder of the violent history of American politics. Alexander Hamilton, a founding father and author of many Federalist Papers, was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr, the sitting vice president. This incident marked a shocking moment in the early years of the republic, raising the question: when will the violence end?

The theme of violence in American history has been explored in various artistic forms. Stephen Sondheim's musical "Assassins" delves into the psychology of those who have attempted to kill American presidents. When it first opened off-Broadway in 1990, it received mixed reviews, as audiences were not prepared for a serious examination of such dark themes. However, its revival on Broadway in 2004 was met with acclaim, winning five Tony Awards, including best revival of a musical.

Sondheim's work reflects the complex relationship between American identity and the act of assassination. In the closing scenes of "Assassins," John Wilkes Booth tries to convince Lee Harvey Oswald to assassinate President John F. Kennedy, illustrating the persistent presence of violence in the nation's narrative. As the country grapples with the implications of these events, the question remains: why does this cycle of violence continue?