On September 28, a horrific shooting at a Michigan church left four people dead, several injured, and a community in shock. The suspect, Thomas Jacob Sanford, was a 40-year-old Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq. According to officials, he had received multiple commendations during his service—but like far too many veterans, he may have come home with invisible wounds.

This tragedy demands more than thoughts and prayers. It demands action.

For years, veterans have sounded the alarm about the mental health crisis within their ranks. PTSD, depression, substance use, and suicidal ideation continue to plague those who served. And yet, many struggle to access timely, effective mental health care through the VA or community providers.

We will never know exactly what led to the violent and tragic choices made in Michigan. But what we do know is this: when veterans don’t get the support they need, everyone can be at risk—including the veterans themselves and the people around them.

We call on Congress and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to:

• Dramatically expand access to trauma-informed, veteran-specific mental health care
• Eliminate waitlists for psychological services through increased funding and staffing
• Invest in early-intervention programs for veterans at risk of crisis
• Partner with local communities to offer wraparound support before tragedy strikes

Our veterans deserve better than long waits, underfunded clinics, and one-size-fits-all care. And our communities deserve to know that those struggling in silence are not being ignored.

If we can send people to war, we must also bring them home with the tools to heal. Sign this petition to demand that the federal government take urgent action—because too many lives are on the line.

Photo: David Guralnick/AP