This morning, I woke up to devastating news—the Francis Scott Key Bridge has collapsed, with highway workers caught in the midst of it. My heart aches for the families who have lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy. Please, let's all take a moment to hold them close in our thoughts and prayers.
It's thanks to the incredible bravery and quick response of our first responders that the situation wasn't even more dire. They acted heroically, blocking traffic, and undoubtedly saving lives. Amidst the chaos, there have been miraculous stories of survival, with two individuals pulled from the water. I'm deeply grateful to all those who serve and protect, never hesitating to rush towards danger to keep others safe.
I was just 12 years old when the Key Bridge opened and remember that we could not wait to take a drive over this amazing structure in my dad’s old Chevy wagon. The bridge was ceremoniously named after the author of our Nation’s Star-Spangled Banner as it was in close proximity to where Francis Scott Key once stood aboard an American Truce Ship during the British bombardment of Baltimore September 14, 1814. This bridge holds historical significance, reminding us of our nation's resilience in the face of adversity.
In times like these, it's vital that we put aside our differences and come together as a community. I urge our leaders in Annapolis to unite and focus on supporting those affected by this tragedy. Rather than engaging in politics as usual, I encourage them to re-evaluate the wisdom of taking on new transportation projects such as the Red-Line, and instead focus on getting our port back open.
According to Channel 2 News, the port of Baltimore has approximately 15,300 direct jobs, with another 140,000 jobs overall linked to Port activities.
The impact of the Key Bridge collapse extends far beyond its physical structure—it has brought our bustling port to a standstill, affecting thousands of jobs, and disrupting supply chains. We must explore alternative solutions, such as establishing a second port at Trade Point Atlantic, to prevent such vulnerabilities in the future.
Let's work together, with compassion and determination, to overcome this challenge and rebuild stronger than ever before.
