Flags at half-staff in honor of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski

INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags in the State of Indiana to be flown at half-staff in honor of U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski, who passed today.

Flags should be flown at half-staff immediately until the date of her burial.

Gov. Holcomb is asking businesses and residents in Indiana to lower their flags.

Statement from President Biden

Governor Eric J. Holcomb offered the following statement regarding the passing of U.S. Representative Jackie Walorksi.

“Janet and I are devastated by the tragic loss of our friend Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and her two staffers – Emma Thomson and Zach Potts – earlier today. Our broken hearts go out to her husband Dean and the entire family during this time of unimaginable mourning. At every level of public service Jackie was known to be a positive force of nature, a patriot, and a relentless policy maker with an unwavering loyalty to her constituents. Jackie’s record of achievement is impossible to quantify. She will be remembered as a fighter with a huge heart that always went the extra mile and I’ll treasure the times we walked a few of those together. Every waking moment for her was energetically devoted to improving the lives of all Hoosiers better, the epitome of a good and faithful servant. She, and the example she set, will be missed every day forward.”

SOURCE: Office of Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb


Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch shared this statement upon hearing the news U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, (R-Ind.), was killed in an automobile accident earlier today:

“I was shocked and heartbroken when I received the news today about the tragic death of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. Jackie and I served together in the Indiana House of Representatives, and she was a fighter for her constituents and conservative Hoosier values. My heart goes out to her husband, Dean, and the rest of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed.”


Senator Mike Braun released the following statement regarding the life of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and two staff members who died today in a tragic accident.

“Jackie Walorski was a tireless advocate for the Hoosiers she represented and a kind friend to everyone she met. She faithfully served her constituents and her Lord and Savior, and I trust she is now wrapped in the arms of Christ. This is a devastating loss, and we grieve for her two staff members – Zach and Emma – who had their whole lives ahead of them. Please join me and Maureen in praying for the families and friends of those lost on this tragic day for Indiana.”

Senator Mike Braun today offered his condolences and memories of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski on the Senate floor and called for prayers for the families of Emma Thomson, Zach Potts, and the Congresswoman as they grieve this devastating loss.

“Earlier today I got the tragic news that my good friend – one of the first people I met when I was exploring the idea of running for Senate – was tragically killed in a car accident. All of us are on the road a lot, and when you spend those hours – endless sometimes – you never imagine that one day that could happen. When I heard that it was the ultimate gut punch. Emma Thomson and Zach Potts were along with her: three Hoosiers that we will miss. It’s hard to come up with the words to say how we’ll get through it, but for most of us – and especially in my case – Jackie was one of the first great Hoosiers I got to know on my own journey. She will be missed, and I send my condolences to all of the families.”


U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) today issued the following statement on the death of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and two members of her staff:

I’m truly devastated. Jackie loved Hoosiers and devoted her life to fighting for them. I’ll never forget her spirit, her positive attitude, and most importantly her friendship. All of Indiana mourns her passing, along with the tragic deaths of her staff Emma Thomson and Zach Potts. Please join me in praying for their families in this difficult time.”


Indiana Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer today released the following statement upon hearing the news of the death of Rep. Jackie Walorski and members of her team:

“Today, we mourn the tragic loss of Rep. Jackie Walorski and members of her team, Zach Potts and Emma Thomson. 

“In her years representing the people of northern Indiana as both a state representative and member of Congress, Rep. Walorski built a legacy of selfless service. It was a privilege of mine to work alongside her, as I have never met a more fierce or effective fighter for what she believed in. 

“It takes an incredible team to work and stand beside an effective elected official. There were no better examples than Zach and Emma, who served not only Rep. Walorski, but their district, state, and country.

“I ask all Hoosiers to please join me in praying for the families of each of the victims of this tragic accident as we mourn these difficult losses.” 


Statement from Attorney General Todd Rokita on the passing of Rep. Jackie Walorski

“Jackie Walorski was a woman who stood strong in her values, cared for her family, and served Hoosiers well. I have many great memories and stories of our time together in Congress and on the campaign trail. In addition to everything else, she had a great sense of humor. She will be missed. Our sympathies also go out to the families of Zach Potts and Emma Thomson who died in the same tragic accident. Hoosiers across the state mourn the loss of these public servants.”


State Sen. Stacey Donato (R-Logansport) made the following statement following the passing of U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski:

“I am shocked and heartbroken by the tragic death of my friend, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. Jackie was a devoted legislator and cared deeply for the Hoosiers she represented. She assisted me on many occasions to care for our constituents.

“She was dedicated to the betterment of our community, leading with passion through her many years of public service. Her loss will be felt throughout our state.

“I am truly grateful to have known her and to have considered her a friend, and I will miss her dearly. Jackie’s family and the families of the three other victims of this horrible accident – Emma Thomson, Zachery Potts and Edith Schmucker – are in my prayers.


State Senator David Niezgodski (D-South Bend) offered the following statement:

“I am shaken and deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Representative Walorski, Zachery Potts and Emma Thompson.”

“Rep. Walorski has represented our community for a decade, and was always fiercely dedicated to her constituents and the betterment of Indiana. My thoughts and condolences are with her loved ones as well as the loved ones of Mr. Potts and Ms. Thompson.”


Indiana Secretary of State Holli Sullivan released the following statement on the passing of Rep. Jackie Walorski.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Jackie Walorski. Jackie loved Hoosiers, her country and served with honor in Congress. My prayers are with her family as well as the families of Zachery Potts and Emma Thomson”