On September 25th, the nation will pause to observe the National Anniversary for Murder Victims. It’s a solemn day, marking the pain and loss families endure due to violent crimes, as they reflect on the lives taken too soon.
But we need to remember that memories without action are hollow. If we genuinely honor the victims, we must confront harsh realities. For too long, advocates for “social justice” have prioritized the rights of criminals over those of victims, turning elections into life-and-death matters.
This concern was raised back in 2017 when progressive prosecutors, backed by George Soros, began to alter the justice system across the country in the name of “reform.” They claimed to seek fairness, yet what resulted was increased bloodshed. Now, many Americans recognize the severe consequences of such reckless changes.
Take a moment to consider the tragic murder of Irina Zaltzka in Charlotte, North Carolina, or the heartbreaking loss of Laken Riley, a promising nursing student. Their stories join a growing list of victims who have suffered as a result of policies that seem to protect criminals instead of safeguarding innocent lives.
We’ve seen firsthand the aftermath of these choices. Families across the nation grapple with the absence of justice. In New York, I stood alongside Victor Maldonado, mourning the needless death of his son, Jonathan.
Jonathan was a rideshare driver, simply trying to support his family and ensure others made it home safely. His life was tragically cut short by repeat drunk drivers who were repeatedly arrested and released under bail reforms, despite their damaging behavior. It’s infuriating to think that, even after so many warning signs, the system failed him just days after these reforms took effect.
Sadly, Jonathan’s story is just one among many. Families are hurting everywhere as politicians choose ideology over public safety. They jeopardize community safety by dismantling accountability, emptying jails, and letting repeat offenders back onto the streets. Every time a criminal is released, it’s essentially granting another chance to become a predator.
Some of the families we’ve been working with have been fighting for over four decades. Take Barbara Connery, for instance. As the executive director working with survivors of murdered victims in Long Island, she became an advocate after losing her 15-year-old son, Jimmy. It’s unfathomable that the person who took his life was released and lived free as if nothing had happened.
Barbara had to endure burying her son and then advocating for victims’ rights. And after so many years, she finds herself battling the same issues once more.
It is disheartening to witness how society has increasingly become indifferent to the value of human life. Protests and celebrations are often seen for those guilty of heinous acts instead of solidarity with the victims. People seem to rally for terrorists and criminals, sidelining the experiences of those left grieving.
Since 2019, progressive cities have incurred billions in losses due to rising retail crime, a staggering 93%. Have we reached a point where evil is celebrated, and the innocent are forgotten? This moral decay is truly alarming.
As we mourn collectively again, we observe the pain of Erica Kirk, who recently lost her husband, Charlie. Her anguish resonates with millions. The grief endured by Charlie’s family is felt deeply, highlighting the tragic costs of a society that fails to take evil seriously.
Former President Trump was one of the few who tackled this crisis head-on, highlighting it as a tragedy brought on by failed policies. He advocated for simple yet effective solutions: holding wrongdoers accountable. A secure community begins with responsibility. Justice cannot thrive if criminals evade consequences.
To Congress, state legislatures, and governors: victims and survivors implore you to adopt agendas rooted in the lived experiences of those who have lost loved ones. We’re not speaking from theories or statistics; we come from a place of profound loss and understanding the consequences of failure.
Personally, I understand this pain. In 2005, my boyfriend and his best friend were murdered, and the justice they deserved eluded us. Years later, each news report about senseless violence brings me back to that cold January when everything felt bleak. The hurt deepens when it becomes clear the perpetrators were released by the system.
This is what makes this day crucial. The national day of remembrance for murder victims must shine a light on the urgency of action. We owe it to individuals like Iryna Zarutska, Laken Riley, and Jonathan Maldonado, as well as countless others whose lives were cut short. Their legacies linger, but their families are forever changed.
It’s time we prioritize victims over criminals. We need to listen to survivors, rejecting failed policies that have turned our cities into dangerous places. Leaders at all levels must take a clear stand, following the straightforward logic that protects lives—locking up offenders and safeguarding the innocent.
If we continue making the same mistakes, those memories will lose their meaning.
