06/20/2025
Today, I witnessed something no parent should ever have to see. Chaos erupted at the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Iowa, where over 6,500 of the nation’s brightest students had gathered.
There was panic. Fear. Screaming. Running. Hiding.
When I arrived, the scene was nothing short of a nightmare.
Students were fleeing. Girls had thrown off their heels and backpacks just to run faster. Parking lots were full of shaking bodies and desperate eyes. I drove around trying to find the students in our group. And when I did, I squeezed six of them into my five-passenger car. I just needed to hold them close.
What they said as we drove away will never leave me.
One girl whispered, “I was hoping someone would fall on me. To cover me. If the shooting started.”
How can any child be forced to think that?
Students who arrived days ago with shining eyes and dreams in their hearts. Children who had worked all year to be here, who stood proud on stages and classrooms just hours earlier were now crying, shaking, hugging strangers because they had no parents nearby. Most of them had traveled alone.
And what was it all caused by?
Not a shooter, we were told. But “a disturbed individual.”
Just enough to trigger trauma that will stay with them for life.
Just enough to remind us all how unprepared we are to protect the very ones who will shape our future.
These kids are the future of America - senators, lawyers, activists, educators, and even presidents.
Is this how we protect our future?
Where was the security?
The foresight?
The leadership?
I am appalled by the failure of the system.
But I am in awe of the bravery I saw.
These kids ran, cried, prayed, but they also helped, held, and healed.
I hope…the same students who suffered today will one day change the very system that brought them fear instead of safety.
To the organizers: do better!
To the country: this should not happen again!
And to the students: I saw you. I believe in you. I love you ! Please don’t let fear quiet your brilliance! We need you now…more than ever!!!
