Interim UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, As a mother, the tragic events at Annunciation Catholic School on August 27 have shaken me to my core. The thought of families, children, teachers, and staff facing such unimaginable loss is heartbreaking. No parent should ever have to worry that their child’s day at school could end in tragedy. My heart goes out to every family affected. To the first responders, medical professionals, and spiritual leaders who acted with courage and care, thank you for being beacons of hope in these darkest moments. This week, our nation was again reminded of how fragile safety can be, with the shooting of Charlie Kirk in Utah. No one should have to fear for their life simply for sharing their beliefs or speaking their truth. Political violence and threats against individuals based on ideology are unacceptable—and they must never be treated as normal. As a mother, a citizen, and a neighbor, I feel we have a responsibility to call this out, condemn it fully, and work to prevent it from taking root in our communities. The safety of our children, our families, and all those exercising their right to free speech is not a partisan issue—it is a moral one. We can honor those we have lost and protect the ones we love by taking meaningful, commonsense action: Protecting Students and Communities: Ensuring schools, public spaces, and events have the resources, personnel, and planning necessary to prevent violence before it occurs. Providing Care: Expanding access to mental health services and support systems for those struggling, while balancing care with accountability. Punishing Criminals: Holding violent offenders accountable through enforcement of existing laws and strengthening penalties where necessary. Even in fear, we can choose courage. Even in grief, we can choose compassion. Let us work together to create a community where families can feel safe sending their children to school, neighbors can live without fear, and every voice can be heard without threat. Violence in any form must never be tolerated—and together, we can make that a reality. Remembering 9/11 This week, we paused to honor and remember the lives tragically lost on September 11, 2001, and the countless heroes who responded with courage and selflessness. As a mother, a neighbor, and a citizen, I am reminded not only of the grief that day brought but also of the resilience, unity, and bravery that followed. We honor the first responders, service members, and everyday Americans who risked everything to help others. We honor the families who continue to carry the memory of those they lost. And we recommit ourselves to the values of community, compassion, and vigilance that allow us to face challenges together. Even decades later, the lessons of 9/11 remain clear: life is precious, safety is paramount, and courage—both big and small—can shine brightest in our darkest moments. Standing TogetherThese past days have reminded us how fragile life can be and how vital it is to protect one another. As your representative and a member of this community, I am committed to standing with you—to ensuring our children, families, and neighbors can live, learn, and speak without fear. Let us carry forward the courage, compassion, and unity we’ve seen in our first responders, our communities, and each other. Together, we can honor those we have lost, protect the ones we love, and build a safer, stronger, and more caring community for all. Thank you for standing together with me in hope, in vigilance, and in commitment to what truly matters: our families, our neighbors, and the values that define us. Sincerely, Representative Erica Schwartz Minnesota House of Representatives, District 18A |