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On September 25, we come together as a nation to observe the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost, families devastated, and communities significantly impacted by violent crime.
However, remembrance must lead to action. To truly honor these victims, we cannot ignore a stark reality: over the years, certain policies that present themselves as advocating for social justice have prioritized criminals over the victims. This situation is not merely political; it is a matter of life and death.
Back in 2017, numerous warnings emerged when progressive prosecutors, supported by significant funding, began to reshape justice systems throughout America under the guise of reform. They claimed to promote fairness, but the consequences of such transformations have been devastating. The nation now witnesses the heartbreaking cost of these misguided policies as families lay to rest loved ones who should still be alive.
Consider the tragic murder of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina. The brutality of that event shocked the world. Likewise, the loss of Laken Riley, a young nursing student with a bright future, represents another instance where violent crime snatched away a promising life. These individuals are part of a growing list of victims, disproportionally affected by policies that prioritize the rights of criminals over the protection of harmless citizens.
We have faced the stark repercussions of these policies firsthand. In New York, we worked with Victor Maldonado, a grieving father who lost his son Jonathan, a ride-share driver. Jonathan’s life was abruptly ended by a repeat offender, a drunk driver with a history of multiple arrests. Despite clear warning signs, the system allowed this individual to remain free, and Jonathan ultimately paid with his life shortly after the new bail reforms were put into effect.
Jonathan’s story is far from isolated. Nationwide, families suffer because politicians continue to favor ideology over the safety of their constituents. These officials gamble with public security through the dismantling of accountability, the emptying of jails, and the leniency afforded to repeat offenders. With every release or “second chance” given to a predator, we create conditions ripe for future victims.
Some victims and families have been fighting this battle for decades. For instance, Barbara Connelly leads a support group for families impacted by violent crime in the Long Island area. Barbara became a leader in the victims’ rights movement after her son Jimmy was murdered. Imagine the horror of knowing your child’s killer not only walked free but did so without any oversight or consequences. Barbara faced the unimaginable task of burying her son while also advocating for victim’s rights – rights that many would assume already exist.
It is disheartening to note how society has developed a disturbing indifference to human life. We observe public protests advocating for the release of convicted killers rather than rallying for victims’ families. This cultural shift raises significant concerns about our collective values.
At a time when we should be supporting the grieving, we find ourselves enabling the very individuals responsible for inflicting pain on innocent families. This moral decline disrupts the fabric of our society.
As a nation, we are once again engulfed in grief. The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk stands as an example of the violence that plagues our communities. His wife Erika experiences a profound loss, echoing the feelings of millions who recognize this tragedy could have been avoided. The pain inflicted upon his family serves as a stark reminder of the broader implications when society neglects to confront the reality of evil.
President Donald Trump stands among the few leaders openly addressing the root causes of these tragedies. He condemns the failure of policies that lead to unnecessary deaths and asserts a need for accountability. Real justice starts with holding offenders responsible, as communities cannot thrive when criminals face no genuine consequences.
To elected officials at all levels: the pleas of victims and survivors call for tangible changes. It is crucial to adopt policies grounded not in ideology but in the experiences of families grappling with loss. We speak from the gravesides of loved ones, emphasizing the urgency to act decisively to prevent further tragedies.
This struggle resonates deeply with me. In 2005, I lost my boyfriend and his best friend to murder. The lack of justice then remains an open wound. Each report of a new homicide pulls me back to that January day filled with sorrow. The realization that the perpetrator was someone the system allowed to remain free intensifies the pain.
The day of remembrance matters significantly. It must go beyond mere acknowledgment. We owe it to Iryna Zarutska, Laken Riley, Jonathan Maldonado, and all victims whose lives were cut short to ensure that their memories drive systemic change. Their families will never recover fully, but we can honor their legacies by prioritizing the safety of citizens over the rights of criminals.
It is time for a paradigm shift. We must actively choose to support victims rather than criminals. We need to heed the cries of survivors who are demanding accountability. Now is the moment to reject policies that have led our cities to become perilous. By heeding the commitment of leaders like President Trump, we can take significant steps toward ensuring that our communities are secure and that the innocent are protected.
Because remembrance carries no weight if we continue to repeat the same mistakes.
