For Safety, Respect, and Democracy in the Wake of Tragedies

The murder of Charlie Kirk is a heartbreaking reminder of how dangerous our political climate has become, and my deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. Sadly, his death is not an isolated tragedy. In recent years, we’ve seen political figures and their families targeted across the spectrum — from the attempted assassinations of President Trump, to the shooting of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, the attack on Republican members of Congress at a baseball practice, the brutal assault on Paul Pelosi, and here in Minnesota, the murders of Melissa and Mark Hortman and the shooting of Senator John Hoffman and his wife. No matter the party, no matter the ideology, political violence is unacceptable and has no place in our democracy.

At the same time, our schools should be places of learning and safety, yet too often they are sites of fear and tragedy. Just weeks ago, Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis was shattered by gunfire, and today we are again mourning the devastating loss of life in a Colorado school shooting. Every parent deserves to know that when they send their child to school, they will come home safely. No community should have to endure this pain.

Whether in politics or in our schools, these tragedies are fueled by overheated rhetoric, fear, and division. It is time to turn down the temperature, reject misinformation, and recommit to civil discourse. Our neighbors deserve leaders who will work across differences to find real solutions that keep our children safe, strengthen our communities, and protect the democracy we all value. Politics must be settled with ballots and conversations, never with bullets.