In any moment of national shock, conspiracy theories seem to prevail on social media. Yet those who know investigations from the inside—especially Christian law enforcement officers—are called to something better: disciplined patience, respect for evidence and the investigative process, and a public posture that calms rather than inflames.
Investigators know that what the public sees in the first 48 hours is only a fraction of what is really happening. Autopsy results, ballistics, DNA, and digital forensics are often held back, not to deceive, but to protect the integrity of the case and the future trial. Detectives routinely withhold details so they can test suspects’ statements: when someone mentions a non-public fact, that detail becomes powerful corroboration or incrimination.
Those realities are invisible to most people watching the grainy video clips on social media. The public rewinds footage frame by frame, drawing sweeping conclusions from tiny movements, while experienced investigators know video is two-dimensional, ambiguous, and easily overinterpreted. Officers understand that real cases are built not on hunches and internet theories, but on chains of evidence that must survive cross-examination before a jury. Having that knowledge ought to make us, as law enforcement officers, uniquely slow to join speculative narratives and theories.
After a high-profile homicide, emotion always outruns information. In the wake of some of these murders, online commentators quickly speculate; sometimes about additional suspects, undetected motives, or elaborate cover-ups – often without access to a single official report. Some are driven by political ideologies and are eager to blame “the other side.” Some are simply determined to grow their online platform.
Christian scripture anticipated this environment.
James called believers to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger,” because human anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Rushing to public accusations without solid evidence edges dangerously close to bearing false witness, even when wrapped in religious language or “just asking questions.” For Christian officers, that should hit especially hard: truth-telling is both a badge duty and a discipleship duty.
Autopsies, forensics, and prosecutorial review all take time, and that delay is often interpreted by the internet as proof that “they’re hiding something.” Yet seasoned detectives know silence is usually prudence, not conspiracy: investigators are protecting witness integrity, jury selection, and the admissibility of evidence at trial. Releasing too much too early can taint testimony, confuse jurors, and hand attorneys – on either side – unnecessary leverage.
From a Christian perspective, this measured approach reflects God’s own concern for careful fact-finding. The biblical insistence on multiple witnesses, on weighing testimony, and on refusing to condemn on rumor alone all echo the best instincts of good police work. When officers resist speculation and insist on waiting for the full evidential picture, they are honoring the God of truth in a culture addicted to instant outrage. The biblical insistence on multiple witnesses, on weighing testimony, and on refusing to condemn on rumor alone all echo the best instincts of good police work. Share on X
Law enforcement today works in a world where every tragedy generates a thousand “explanations” before the crime scene is even cold. Yet that chaos creates a unique opportunity for Christian officers. With one foot in the realities of investigations and the other in the promises of the gospel, police can model a different way:
- First, we can speak cautiously in public and online, and refuse to amplify unverified claims
- Second, we can gently remind our friends, family, and church members that real cases are decided by evidence, not by unsupported online speculation
- Finally, we can point people to the ultimate Judge who will one day bring every hidden thing to light
In a culture that monetizes fear and rewards suspicion, law enforcement officers ought to be a moderating, patient, and calming force. We do, after all, understand how the system works and we ought to be spiritually anchored in Jesus, who is Himself the truth. When the world rushes to conspiracy, Christian cops have the privilege and opportunity to stand firm, refuse to bear false witness, and quietly shepherd others back toward evidence, justice, and hope.
For an example of what this might look like in practice, here is my interview with Frank Turek related to conspiracy theories surrounding the Charlie Kirk assassination:
Also, if you’re a police officer and you haven’t yet trusted the Savior so you can learn how to represent him in our conspiratorial culture, there is no better time than now. The guidance of God is available for anyone who seeks Him.
