October 2, 2006. West Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania. A one-room Amish school.
What Happened
Charles Carl Roberts IV, 32, a milk truck driver, entered the school armed. Released boys and adults. Kept 10 girls aged 6-13. Bound them. After a police standoff — shot 5 dead, wounded 5, killed himself.
What the Amish Did
That same day — went to Roberts' family. With food. With embraces. Said: we forgive you. At Roberts' funeral — Amish families among the mourners. From the victims' relief fund — allocated a share to the killer's family (the widow was left with three children).
World's Reaction
Shock. Not from the shooting (America was used to that). From the forgiveness. TV networks couldn't explain to viewers how someone could forgive their children's killer. The Amish declined interviews — nothing to discuss, the Bible said it all.
The School
The building was demolished 10 days later. A new one built — different location, new name (New Hope School). Children returned to classes within a week.
Legacy
'Amish Grace' (2007) — a study of Amish forgiveness. Authors' conclusion: for the Amish, forgiveness isn't an emotion but a decision. Not 'I feel I've forgiven.' But 'I've decided to forgive, and I'll hold to that decision even when it hurts.'