South Dakota House of Representatives
Office of Rep. Isaac Latterell
Wednesday, September 30, 2015

My colleagues and I join with the communities of Harrisburg, Tea, Lennox, and Sioux Falls and extend our prayers today on behalf Principal Kevin Lein, as well as for the students, faculty, and families affected by this morning’s events at Harrisburg High School. We also give thanks to God that no one was killed or more critically injured and we pray for a quick recovery for all involved physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Though his identity and motive have yet to be released, we are also praying for the shooter and for his family.

We owe tremendous gratitude and deep respect to the swift, efficient response of school officials, law enforcement and first responders from multiple state and local agencies who executed their coordinated response plans and provided security for students across the district.

I am personally thankful that our communities are filled with so many heroes with selfless courage who run towards danger and risk their lives in order to protect others.

I am especially amazed and inspired by the love and courage of Assistant Principal Ryan Rollinger, who put his life on the line to protect his students and staff. His selfless act was an example of the love Jesus showed us on the cross and called us to emulate in John chapter 15:

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Thank you to everyone who did their jobs with excellence and courage today and to those who are continuing the work of justice and healing moving forward.

Sincerely,

Isaac Latterell
State Representative – District 6
Serving Harrisburg, Tea, Lennox and Sioux Falls

500 E. Capitol Ave. Pierre, S.D. 57501
PO Box 801 Tea, SD 57064