Yesterday’s attack on freedom, and the resulting loss of human life, shows that evil still exists and can strike at time, without warning. Our world is much more safe than it was fifty years ago. However, we can neither be complacent, nor satisfied, with our past efforts to build a peaceful global community. We must strive everyday to advance the cause of peace even further to decrease the possibility of such attacks in the future.
This is a time when families and neighbors must come together so that our community, and our nation, might begin the healing process. I ask all citizens of Syracuse to help the victims in any way they can—giving blood, donating food and supplies, and offering assistance to the American Red Cross. Together, our local community can help our fellow Americans persevere though this tragedy.
Just over 24 hours ago, this local mayoral election seemed so important and consumed all of my attention. How quickly this has all changed. Out of respect to the victims and their families, I will suspend all campaign activities until our nation begins to heal.
This is a time to come together as a nation. My heart and prayers go out to the victims of this grave tragedy and to their families.
Minch Lewis