Senator Tim Sheehy has called for national unity and healing in an op-ed published by the Bozeman Daily Chronicle on September 11, 2025. The piece coincides with the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and follows the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Sheehy reflects on how Americans have come together each year to remember those lost in the terrorist attacks of 2001. He writes, “Everyone over the age of 35 remembers exactly where they were on September 11, 2001. For the past quarter century, every September 11th, Americans pause for a moment and are brought together by our shared suffering and the shock and horror of seeing thousands of our countrymen killed in the blink of an eye.”
The senator notes that this year’s remembrance is marked by new tragedy: “This year, 9/11 hit differently. Replacing the feeling of national unity and shared sorrow that usually dominates the day, America was ripped apart by a bullet that assassinated someone who many disagreed with, but whose only mission was to demand debate, encourage discourse, and spur young people to engage on the issues of our time.”
Sheehy emphasizes that while Americans may hold differing views about Charlie Kirk or U.S. foreign policy after September 11, there should be agreement on condemning violence: “Americans can and should disagree on their opinions of Charlie Kirk, just like they can disagree over our foreign policy in the wake of 9/11. What we MUST agree on, however, is that the murder of a young father and husband, just like the slaughter of 3,000 Americans, is evil.”
He points to a rise in political violence over the past year: “The past year has seen a terrible tide of political violence be normalized, accepted, and even celebrated as legitimate protest against those with whom we disagree.” Sheehy references several incidents including attempts on President Trump’s life and attacks targeting public officials.
Sheehy also criticizes some social media reactions and media coverage: “Even worse, the most disgusting corners of social media celebrate these atrocities when they happen. Media outlets skew coverage to hide the truth and adhere to their viewers’ preferred narrative…”
Calling for an end to division he states: “This must end now. 9/11 can serve as a reminder to us all that although we disagree on much, we agree on much more.”
He urges Americans to focus on common goals such as safety for families and economic prosperity: “We agree that we want a better future for our children. We want safe streets for our families. We want a prosperous economy for our communities…”
Reflecting further on Kirk’s legacy he writes: “Charlie Kirk welcomed debate… For this he was killed, but for this he will also be remembered.”
Sheehy closes his op-ed by honoring first responders from September 11th and encouraging renewed respect among citizens: “We’re so blessed in this country to have millions of people willing to put their uniform on each day… This year let us use the anniversary…to rekindle American values…and rediscover love and respect…”
He concludes with a call for collective healing: “It’s time to heal, and now is the perfect time to start.”
