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2/20/2026
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Op-Ed: To my beloved Pawtucket
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By Rep. Karen Alzate
My dearest Pawtucket,
My heart is heavy, but it is also full of pride. What happened at our skating rink was frightening and painful, especially because it involved our young people and a place meant for joy and community. Moments like this test a city. They test our sense of safety, and our trust. And Pawtucket, you showed up.
In the aftermath, I saw neighbors checking on neighbors. I saw parents stepping in with love and urgency. I saw first responders and city workers act swiftly and bravely, putting the safety of others first without hesitation. I saw a community that refused to panic, refused to turn inward, and instead chose to care for one another.
This moment does not define us. Violence is not who we are. We are a city that believes our children deserve to feel safe where they play, learn, and grow. We are a city that takes responsibility for protecting one another and that is willing to have the hard conversations necessary to make that protection real.
Pawtucket is strong because its people are strong. It is safe because we are committed to making it so through vigilance, compassion, accountability, and love. We will not allow fear to take root in our neighborhoods or in our hearts. We will continue to show up for our kids, for our families, and for each other.
This city has always moved forward together, and we will do so again. With care. With courage. With an unshakable belief that Pawtucket is, and will remain, a place where community comes first and love outpaces fear. Together we stand, together we heal.
Rep. Karen Alzate, a Democrat, represents District 60 in Pawtucket and Central Falls.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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