Friends and Neighbors, 

Our state and our country are grieving. The mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and Church and the assassination of Charlie Kirk have shaken us to the core. These were acts of pure evil that remind us how fragile life is and how urgently we must reject violence and stand together as Americans. 

At the same time, life in Minnesota continues, and I want to provide you with an update, not only on the tragedies we've faced and how we move forward, but also on the brighter moments that bring our communities together. From the State Fair to honoring our veterans and standing with our farmers, there is some good news to share, too. 

Two horrific acts of violence have shaken our state and our nation. The shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and Church last week was an act of terrorism against Christians. Families are grieving children who will never come home, and others are recovering from wounds suffered while worshiping. My prayers are with the victims, the survivors, the school staff, and the first responders who ran toward danger. 

Now this week, America is mourning the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. Charlie was a family man who left behind a wife and two young children. He was best known for traveling to college campuses to foster discussion, especially with those who disagree with him, and for encouraging young people to engage in the future of our country. 

These events are evil. Political violence has no place in our society. Every student deserves to learn in a safe classroom, every believer should be able to worship without fear, and every American should be free to speak, debate, and participate in civic life without the threat of violence. 

Unfortunately, Governor Walz’s answer to these tragedies has been pure political theater. His proposal to call a special session to ban semi-automatic rifles is unconstitutional, unpopular, even in his own caucus, and wouldn’t have prevented these crimes. It strips rights from law-abiding citizens while ignoring the root of the problem entirely. 

During this time, instead of political games, Republicans are working toward real solutions, including funding security improvements for public and non-public schools, passing programs like the SHIELD Act, restoring School Resource Officers, and giving districts the flexibility to direct funding toward local safety needs. We’re also advancing policies to expand mental health treatment beds, repeal the Democrats’ trans-affirmation law so doctors can treat patients based on medical judgment, and hold criminals accountable with mandatory prison sentences for violent offenders and straw purchasers, while repealing Democrats’ reckless early release program. 

But beyond policy, we have to face a deeper cultural crisis. The rise in heinous violent crimes this year has been nothing short of horrifying. As a country, we need to change course. We must put faith, family, and community back at the center of our lives. And we must also remember that disagreement and debate are part of America’s strength. We can argue and we can differ, but violence must never be the answer. If we are to heal, we must come together as Americans, stand firm against evil, and recommit ourselves to the values that make this nation strong. 

This year’s State Fair was the fifth-highest attended in Minnesota history, and it was great to be there with my family. As always, the food was excellent, but the fair’s true strength is the way it highlights agriculture, the backbone of our state’s economy and culture. From livestock to crop science, it’s a reminder that farming is central to our way of life and our future. 

A highlight for me was visiting the Dairy Building to support Benton County’s Heidi Montag, a finalist for the 2025 Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Heidi is studying Pre-Sonography at St. Cloud Technical and Community College, serves on the Benton/Mille Lacs County Farm Bureau board, is active in her church, and continues to work with her family on the farm. Whether she’s talking to consumers about low-lactose dairy options, visiting classrooms as a dairy princess, or milking cows alongside her mom, Heidi represents the values and work ethic that keep our rural communities strong. Congratulations to Heidi and all the finalists who are helping shape the future of Minnesota agriculture. 

Closing Thoughts 

As we reflect on the tragedies of recent weeks, we cannot allow ourselves to grow numb to violence. We must respond with clarity: political violence and targeted attacks have no place in our society. At the same time, we must not lose sight of the good around us; the families gathering at the State Fair, the students returning to classrooms with hope, the veterans whose service we honor, and the farmers who feed our state. 

This is what makes Minnesota strong, and it is what makes America strong. We can debate our differences passionately, but we must never let hatred or violence divide us. Together, we can restore accountability, strengthen families, and keep Minnesota moving forward. 

Thank you for the privilege of representing you.