Standing Together After TragedyDear friends and neighbors, On August 27, our community and our state were shaken by the horrific tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School. My heart continues to ache for the families, children, teachers, and staff whose lives were forever changed in an instant. As a father, I can only imagine the grief of sending your child to school and not seeing them come home. To the first responders, hospital staff, and spiritual leaders who stepped forward with courage and compassion—thank you for being a source of strength during such darkness. As we were still processing that tragedy, our nation was stunned again by the assassination of Charlie Kirk while he was speaking in Utah. Whether or not you agreed with Charlie’s politics, he was a man standing up for what he believed in — and in America, that should never cost anyone their life. Political disagreement should never lead to political violence. These events are a sobering reminder of how fragile life is and how urgent it is to restore respect, civility, and a culture that values every human life. I also hope we can take moments to cherish the people around us, unplug from our devices, and appreciate the life we have. This past Sunday, I joined The Sunday Take with Blois Olson podcast alongside Senator Cwodzinski, a retired teacher, to discuss how Minnesota can move forward after a church mass shooting. As a former school resource officer, I shared my perspective on practical, commonsense steps to protect students, support communities, and prevent future tragedies. It was a thoughtful, bipartisan conversation about real solutions, and you can listen to the full discussion [here]. This is a moment for all of us to pause, reflect, and come together. While we cannot undo what has been lost, we can honor the memory of those we mourn by committing ourselves to meaningful, tangible action that strengthens our communities and protects our children.  The unsettling act of violence at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis has shaken our state and the entire country. I look forward to constructive, bipartisan discussions on steps we can take to protect our kids. As the only former school resource officer in the Legislature, I’m hopeful my experience can be helpful in finding solutions on the important issues of school security, public safety, mental health, and firearm regulation. I’m currently a sponsor of the SHIELD Act, which is designed to bring the common sense, affordable security options Lakeville Schools have put in place statewide. It’s something that is proven effective that we can do right now. Rest assured, as these discussions continue, I approach my role focused on bipartisan solutions—not partisan talking points. Should the Governor call a special session, my priority will be working across the aisle to achieve reforms that make our schools and communities safer. That means addressing safety on multiple fronts: Protecting Students: Through school security grants provided by the SHIELD Act, expanded school safety funding (including for non-public schools), and giving schools flexibility to secure their facilities. Schools should also have the option to access a School Resource Officer, ensuring trained professionals are on hand to respond if a crisis arises. Providing Care: Increasing access to mental health services, treatment beds, and support systems so that individuals can get the help they need before a crisis escalates. Medical professionals must have the tools and authority to make the best decisions for their patients’ mental health. Punishing Criminals: Strengthening penalties for repeat violent offenders and illegal firearm straw purchasers, ensuring that dangerous individuals face real consequences and cannot return to our streets without accountability. These are commonsense measures that can gain bipartisan support and make an immediate difference. As the only former school resource officer in the Legislature, I know firsthand that true safety comes from partnerships—between families, educators, law enforcement, and lawmakers. Even in our darkest times, we must hold fast to love, hope, and community. Let us come together as Minnesotans, determined to protect our children and ensure every family feels safe, secure, and supported.  Never Forget: Remembering 9/11 This week, I take a moment to remember September 11, 2001 — a day that forever changed our country and our lives. I remember the fear, the heartbreak, and the overwhelming sense of loss that so many of us felt. But I also remember the courage, selflessness, and compassion that shone through in the darkest moments. We honor the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost, the first responders who ran toward danger without hesitation, and the families and communities forever changed. As someone who has worked in public service, I carry with me the reminder that even in tragedy, ordinary people can do extraordinary things to help others. This week, let us not only remember those we lost but also recommit ourselves to the values that make our country strong — unity, service, and compassion. May we live each day inspired by their bravery and never forget the lessons of that day. September: A Month of Awareness, Compassion, and Hope September is both Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month—a time to raise awareness, break the stigma, and remind one another of this simple truth: you are not alone. During my 18 years as a crisis negotiator with the Burnsville Police Department, I saw firsthand the difference it can make when someone reaches out during a moment of despair—and the importance of responding with compassion instead of judgment. Sometimes, that conversation can be the turning point that saves a life. As a state, we must do more to ensure that those in crisis have access to the care and support they need. That means strengthening our mental health system, expanding treatment options, and continuing to build communities where recovery and hope are possible. This month, and every month, let’s recommit ourselves to being there for one another—whether that’s checking in on a friend, listening without judgment, or supporting policies that expand mental health and recovery resources. Together, we can create a Minnesota where no one feels alone in their struggles and everyone has a path toward healing and hope. Learning Starts Here—Safety Comes First The first day of school is always a special milestone—whether it’s a kindergartener nervously walking into class for the very first time or a senior gearing up for their last first day. To all our students, teachers, school staff, and families: I’m wishing you a safe, successful, and exciting year ahead! As the school year begins, you’ll notice increased patrols around our schools from the Lakeville Police Department. This extra presence is about more than just safety—it’s about peace of mind for parents, teachers, and kids. I’m so thankful for our School Resource Officers and the entire police team who make it possible for students to focus on learning, growing, and building friendships. Here’s to a school year filled with opportunity, encouragement, and community support. We’re all in this together—and I couldn’t be prouder of Lakeville. Celebrating Our Hometown Heroes It was such an honor to join the Lakeville Public Safety Foundation, along with our incredible Lakeville Police and Fire Departments, for the 11th Annual Police and Firefighters Ball. Nights like this remind me just how fortunate we are to live in a community where men and women willingly put on the uniform each day to protect and serve their neighbors. These are not just jobs—they are callings. Our police officers and firefighters leave their families to keep ours safe. They face situations most of us can’t imagine, yet they do it with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our community. I will always be grateful for their sacrifice and service. Congratulations to Firefighter Joe Tomes and Detective Mike Lamm on being named Officers of the Year. Both of you embody what it means to serve with excellence, and this recognition is so well deserved. To all of Lakeville’s first responders—thank you. Our community is stronger, safer, and better because of you! Staying Connected in Our CommunityAs summer winds down and we move into the busy rhythm of fall, it’s been inspiring to see our community come together in so many meaningful ways. From honoring our first responders at the Police and Firefighters Ball, to celebrating the first day of school with our students and families, and reflecting on moments of remembrance like 9/11—this month has been a powerful reminder of what makes Lakeville and our district so special: the people. Whether it’s chatting with neighbors at local events, attending roundtables, or simply stopping to say hello around town, these everyday conversations are the heart of what I love most about serving you. They remind me of the resilience, compassion, and strength we share as a community. Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives, for sharing your stories, and for working together to make our schools safer, our neighborhoods stronger, and our community more supportive for everyone. I’m grateful to serve you and I’m always here to listen, learn, and take action for our district. Here’s to keeping our community safe, connected, and full of hope as we head into the fall! Sincerely, Representative Jeff Witte
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 57B |