I joined MSNBC today to talk about how the witnesses might be processing what happened, in addition to Kirk’s family and how death isn’t the price we should have to pay for expressing our views-however polarizing. And on this anniversary of 9/11, I can’t help but think about the devastating toll of terrorism and mass violence—not just the lives lost, but the lasting psychological wounds. As the former Medical Director for 9/11 mental health, and in my work with survivors of so many tragedies since, I’ve seen the same forces at play over and over: hate, numbness to others’ pain, “us vs. them” thinking, and political divisiveness. Today, on this day of remembrance, I also find myself reflecting on the tragic shooting death of Charlie Kirk. The circumstances are very different, and I would never equate the two, but the psychological impact—fear, grief, mistrust—is universal. Deadly intent doesn’t always lead to deadly outcomes in other countries where structural reforms exist; mental illness alone doesn’t explain the difference. If Sandy Hook didn’t move us to act, what will? These events remind me that while the names, dates, and places change, the essence remains heartbreakingly the same. The question is: what will it take for us, finally, to choose change over hate? *commonplace correction