Reflecting on Loss and the Fight for Justice

On February 18, my younger brother Christian would have celebrated his 22nd birthday. It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that soon it will be four years since he was senselessly murdered on Chicago’s South Side. Just before that tragic day, he graduated from high school, and his future seemed so bright. He had dreams of attending UCLA, and we even took a college trip together.

Instead, on June 24, 2022, he was shot and killed while hanging out with friends on a city street. A black SUV pulled up, and several unidentified men opened fire. They recovered fifty shell casings from the scene. Three people were hospitalized; only two survived. It’s a heartbreaking reminder of just how random and terrifying violence can be.

Authorities labeled it a case of being “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” In a city like Chicago, that’s a sentiment that resonates all too well. In just a moment, lives can change forever. Unfortunately, not much has improved in the past four years.

National crime statistics have shown some declines recently, attributed to various factors. But in cities like Chicago, violent crime remains alarmingly persistent. Last month alone, 123 people were shot. It feels like violent crime isn’t confined to one political ideology; it’s an epidemic affecting communities across the board.

For my family, the struggle for justice is still ongoing.

I feel fortunate to have a career that provides me with a platform to discuss these issues, to bring attention to victims like my brother. I refuse to let Christian’s story fade into the background, as if it were just another number in a statistic.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to share his story and remind others that families like mine are affected by violence every day.

This is part of why I wrote my book, “The Day My Brother Was Killed: My Journey Through America’s Violent Crime Crisis.” It recounts my family’s grief but also honors the lives of Christian and other innocent victims taken by violence nationwide on the same day. These were people from all walks of life—different races, ages, and backgrounds—all sharing the tragic commonality of being innocent victims of crime.

This is not a matter of race or targeted issues. It’s a nationwide challenge that impacts everyone.

In June 2024, I founded the Caldwell Institute for Public Safety and the Caldwell Public Safety Foundation after losing Christian. Our mission is straightforward but urgent: to tackle violent crime with a focus on integrity and victim advocacy.

The driving force behind the violence we see is largely policy-related. In cities across the country, well-meaning but misguided policies often prioritize criminals’ rights over victims’. This has left many law-abiding citizens vulnerable and has led to an increase in repeat offenders.

America must confront this crisis before more birthdays are missed, and more lives are altered forever.

On February 24, we will hold our second annual gala, “Securing America’s Future: A Roadmap to 2026 and Beyond,” at Mar-a-Lago. This event aims to unite national leaders and concerned citizens to tackle America’s violent crime issues while honoring the memory of those lost too soon.

This evening is dedicated to individuals like my brother Christian and the countless victims of senseless violence, whose stories often go unheard but whose impact changes families forever. We work to honor them by ensuring they are not forgotten.

Our fight isn’t just about this election cycle; it’s about the future of public safety. Local officials, from prosecutors to judges, repeatedly face decisions about whether violent criminals are held accountable or set free.

It is critical that Americans understand the real-world consequences of lenient crime policies. If measures don’t improve, someone’s loved one could be the next to pay the price.

Policies matter. Execution matters. Responsibility is vital. Without strong rules and consequences, violent criminals are let loose repeatedly, resulting in tragic outcomes. We’ve witnessed this play out time and time again on news broadcasts.

Honoring victims requires action, not just remembrance. It’s vital to seek leaders who prioritize public safety.

Today would have marked my brother’s 22nd birthday. While I can’t bring him back, I can fight to ensure that no other family has to experience the heartbreak that I endure every day. We owe it to Christian and all victims of violent crime to advocate for better solutions.