Standing Together After TragedyDear friends and neighbors, America is mourning. The shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah, along with other recent criminal acts in our country, is deeply troubling to us. A man who dedicated his life to standing up for his beliefs was silenced in an instant. Political violence has no place in our country — and yet, week after week, we are reminded that it is becoming all too common. This is not America at her best. It is destruction brought about by the worst of humanity. We must find the courage to stop this cycle before more innocent lives are taken. Here at home, the tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School on August 27 shook our community to its core. Families who simply sent their children to school that morning were left with unthinkable grief by the afternoon. My heart goes out to every parent, teacher, student, and neighbor who has been touched by this tragedy. I believe that when something this devastating happens, we are called to do more than offer thoughts and prayers — we are called to act. Minnesotans deserve real solutions that protect our children, our schools, our churches, and our communities. The following quote from Mother Teresa sums it up quite well:  For me, this is not about scoring political points. This is about the kind of society we want to leave for our children. It is about deciding — right here, right now — that we will not accept a future where fear and violence are the norm. Mother Teresa’s words cut to the heart of this moment: “No to violence and yes to peace…We can really wound a person, we can kill a person, with our tongue.” Violence begins long before a weapon is ever raised. It starts when we devalue one another, when we speak with contempt instead of compassion, when we allow anger to harden our hearts. If we want to stop the cycle of tragedy, we must do more than pass laws — we must change the culture. We must teach our children that every life has worth, that truth matters, and that disagreement does not make someone an enemy. We must lead by example, showing what it means to stand firm in principle while still extending grace. Here’s where I believe we start: Protecting Students: Every threat must be taken seriously. Known dangers cannot be ignored, and anyone aware of a threat who does not report it is complicit. A strong, visible law enforcement presence in our schools is essential, and past efforts to remove School Resource Officers have shown how dangerous ignoring reality can be. Providing Care: We must care for victims, families, and all affected by tragedy. We must also ensure individuals struggling with violent psychotic illness—and their families—receive the support they need while holding them accountable for their actions. True compassion balances care with responsibility. Punishing Criminals: Soft approaches to crime only embolden offenders. We are a nation of laws, and those who break them must face arrest, prosecution, and sentencing. Law enforcement officers deserve our respect and support for the selfless work they do to preserve peace, justice, and safety. These steps are practical, data-driven, and effective. We cannot waste resources on measures that fail. Instead, let’s focus where our efforts truly make a difference: securing our schools, churches, neighborhoods, and the innocent lives entrusted to our care. We honor those we lost not just with words, but with action. Let us stand together, strong in faith, principle, and purpose—saying no to violence and yes to peace. Remembering 9/11 This week, we also pause to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001—a day that changed our nation and our lives forever. I remember where I was when I first heard the news, and like so many of you, I felt shock, sorrow, and an overwhelming sense of loss. We honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the first responders who ran toward danger without hesitation, and the countless families and communities forever affected. Their courage, selflessness, and sacrifice continue to inspire us today. Even in tragedy, we are reminded of the power of unity, faith, and service. In the face of terror, ordinary people did extraordinary things—helping strangers, comforting the grieving, and protecting the vulnerable. Their actions are a reminder that each of us has a role in building a safer, stronger, and more compassionate community. As we remember those we lost, let us recommit ourselves to living with courage, standing for truth, and fostering peace wherever we can. May we carry their memory with us in our words, our actions, and our service to others—never forgetting the lessons of that day. Big News for Minnesota Dairy!Here’s something to smile about: after four straight months of testing, the USDA just announced that Minnesota’s dairy herds are officially unaffected by the H5N1 virus! That’s right — our cows are healthy, our milk is clean, and that morning bowl of cereal just tastes a little better knowing it’s coming from a safe, thriving industry. And where was I when this great news came through? At the Big Iron Farm Show in West Fargo — the perfect place to celebrate! I listened in on a panel with some of the top leaders in animal agriculture, talking about dairy, beef, and pork production. It was a lively discussion about the future of livestock in our region, and it was clear that whether you’re in northern Minnesota or North Dakota, we share the same passion for keeping our farms strong and our food supply safe. This achievement didn’t happen by accident — it’s thanks to the hard work of Minnesota farmers, veterinarians, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. They’ve been working around the clock to monitor herds and keep our Ag industry healthy. So let’s all raise a glass of Minnesota milk (or maybe a scoop of ice cream) to celebrate this win for farmers, families, and breakfast tables everywhere. Here’s to healthy cows and a strong future for Minnesota agriculture!  Blast to Brooks Celebration: What a Weekend! I had such a fantastic time at the Blast to Brooks celebration this past weekend! A huge thank you to everyone who made this year's celebration so special—whether you stopped by to say hello, shared a story, or just enjoyed the festivities. I always love meeting the amazing people who make our district such a wonderful place to call home. I also got lucky enough to snag a photo with none other than the Sheriff of Red Lake County himself, Mitch Bernstein! Sheriff Bernstein, along with the rest of the Red Lake County Sheriff’s Department, worked tirelessly all weekend to keep everyone safe while making sure the fun never stopped. Thank you to the entire team for your dedication and hard work—you helped make this celebration a truly memorable one! Looking Ahead TogetherAs we reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the past weeks, I am reminded of the strength, resilience, and generosity of our community. From standing together after tragedy, to honoring the heroes of 9/11, to celebrating the joy of gatherings like Blast to Brooks, it is clear that our district thrives when we support one another. Thank you for taking the time to stay informed, get involved, and make our community a safer, stronger, and more vibrant place to live. Your voice matters, your actions matter, and together, we can continue to make a difference. Stay connected, stay safe, and never hesitate to reach out—I always love hearing from you. With gratitude, Representative Steve Gander
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B |