(Houston, TX) ­–Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced that Rhonda Hart of Santa Fe, TX will accompany her to the president’s State of the Union Address on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.

A native of Wasilla, Alaska, Rhonda Hart is an Army veteran and lifelong educator of children.  While always politically aware, Rhonda joined the fight to prevent gun violence after her oldest child was killed in a school shooting in Santa Fe, TX last year on May 18, 2018.

“Rhonda has suffered through the unimaginable loss of her child with poise and resilience. She’s taken her pain and focused it toward advocating for others whose lives are threatened by gun violence. And through it all, she’s worn a smile on her face and her trademark red cape,” said Congresswoman Fletcher. “I am honored to have Rhonda join me on Tuesday evening.  She is an example to us all of resilience, engagement, and dedication — to her daughter Kim, and to our community.  I can think of no greater privilege than to bring her to Washington to meet with others committed to gun violence prevention, starting with H.R. 8, which I have proudly co-sponsored.”

The Santa Fe High School shooting was the second most deadly shooting of 2018, following the school shooting at Parkland High School in Florida in February 2018. Rhonda’s daughter Kim was one of ten people killed in the mass murder, including eight students and two teacher. Thirteen others who were injured survived the shooting.