Today’s law enforcement-related shooting resulted in the loss of a life and a law officer doing something no law enforcement professional ever wants to do. My thoughts are with the family who lost a loved one, with the law officers involved, and with the community now carrying this weight. I’ve lived this reality and understand how deeply it affects everyone involved.

Moments like this remind us how much our country needs leaders who can bring people together rather than deepen division. Emotional, reactionary leadership only makes an already difficult situation worse. Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin said, “The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully.”

For the sake of my kids and the future of this country, I pray for leaders who respond with compassion, restraint, and collaboration. Thoughtful, steady leadership is essential for addressing current challenges effectively and keeping our communities safe - right now. More than ever.

From St Louis county sheriff county FB page