ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland leaders today commemorated the second anniversary of the tragic Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Together, they offered reflections on the anniversary: to honor those who lost their lives; to thank those who acted courageously to save others; and to affirm their commitment ​to seeing the rebuild process through to the end in partnership with local, state, and federal partners.

Elected leaders across Maryland offered the following reflections:

“March 26, 2024, is a date etched forever into the story of Maryland, not only because of the horror, but for the heroism we witnessed,” said Gov. Moore. “We will never forget the six patriots who were taken from us, for they are not gone who live in the hearts of others. Today, we honor the victims, their families, and every Marylander who stepped up to serve—showing what it means to be Maryland Tough and Baltimore Strong.”

“Two years ago, we awoke to the news of the Key Bridge’s collapse—a horrific tragedy that took the lives of six people and threatened the livelihoods of everyone at the Port of Baltimore,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. “Today especially, we honor the lives we lost and we keep their families and loved ones in our thoughts. While we will never forget that dark day, out of this tragedy, Maryland came together. And alongside our local leaders and state partners we worked to quickly secure federal support for this project, and to tackle the immediate clean-up necessary to reopen the channel to the Port of Baltimore. Federal Team Maryland also fought tooth and nail to secure a 100% federal cost-match for the bridge replacement with the Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act, and since we passed that legislation, we have been making steady progress in the effort to build an even stronger, safer bridge. That federal funding commitment is locked into law—and we will continue working with the Department of Transportation and our state partners until the job is done.”

“In the two years since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, Team Maryland has worked tirelessly to secure federal funding for the bridge’s reconstruction and to ensure this project moves forward efficiently, safely, and without cutting corners,” said U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks. “Team Maryland will continue to rebuild, and we won’t rest until it’s done. We won’t rest because we are doing it for all of Maryland. The six Marylanders that lost their lives that day: José Mynor López, Alejandro Hernández Fuentes, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, Carlos Daniel Hernández Estrella, and Miguel Ángel Luna González. The brave Marylanders that dove into the frigid water during the rescue operation. The strong Marylanders whose businesses and livelihoods were impacted by the collapse. The Marylanders who depend on our port for resources. The Marylanders who count on our infrastructure to stand strong.”

“Two years later, the magnitude of this loss is still incomprehensible. So many lives were turned upside-down in an instant. We continue to mourn the lives lost that day and keep their families in our hearts always,” said former U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. “Through this tragedy, Baltimore has shown the world its resilience. Thanks to the united efforts of Team Maryland at the federal, state and local levels, the Port of Baltimore is booming once again, and soon a new bridge will rise across the river.”

“The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was a devastating tragedy with impacts that reached far beyond Baltimore. In the two years since, Team Maryland has worked together at every level of government to support the families of the six victims we lost and restore full operations at the Port of Baltimore. I thank the Moore-Miller Administration for their leadership as we continue our work to ensure the federal government provides the full resources needed to build a safer, stronger bridge and economy for the surrounding community and Maryland as a whole,” said Congressman Steny Hoyer. “Together, we will keep demonstrating that we are, as Governor Moore says, ‘Maryland Tough, Baltimore Strong.’”

“Two years removed from the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, and all of Maryland continues to rally around the rebuild,” said Congressman Jamie Raskin. “Today, most importantly, we remember the six lives lost in this nightmare and pray their memories are a blessing to their families and loved ones. The Maryland Congressional Delegation will continue to urge the Trump Administration to fulfill its legal obligation and join us in moving full speed ahead in reconstructing the Key Bridge, a vital economic engine for the Free State and the East Coast.”

“Today, on the two year anniversary of that horrific night when we were awaken in our sleep to the unthinkable news that the Francis Scott Key Bridge had collapsed, I am proud of the resilience and tenacity displayed the City of Baltimore and its people in the wake of this tragedy,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “The collapse sent shockwaves through the homes and hearts throughout our State, and our city’s reshaped skyline is a persistent reminder of the scale of our loss."

“On this solemn 2-year anniversary of the collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge, we remember the lives lost and the families forever changed, carrying their grief with us,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey. “As Governor Moore has said, Maryland’s strength is found in our unity, standing shoulder to shoulder to rebuild, protect jobs, and restore our economic lifeline. Together, we remain Maryland Strong, committed to a safer, stronger future.”

“Today, we remember those who lost their lives, and the first responders whose courage prevented an even greater tragedy, when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed two years ago,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski. “Progress has been made, but its absence is still felt every day. We must recommit to rebuilding the bridge with the urgency this moment and their memories demand.”

“Two years ago, the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge changed the lives and livelihoods of so many. Today, we remember the six construction workers who tragically lost their lives while simply doing their jobs: Alejandro, Dorlian, Maynor, Carlos, Miguel, and José,” said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. “Over the past two years, our community has come together to make significant strides in recovery, including securing full federal funding to rebuild the bridge, which is a true testament to Team Maryland’s resilience and hard work. I am forever grateful for the first responders, the workers, and the local, state, and federal partners who have come together to make this progress possible.”

“Today, we remember the six Marylanders who lost their lives in this tragedy two years ago and honor the first responders who worked around the clock to reopen the Port of Baltimore,” said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney. “Rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge with federal support—as Congress already approved—is critical for Maryland. The FSK Bridge has long connected our communities. For generations, it has stood as a vital lifeline for commerce and mobility across the Mid-Atlantic. I commend Governor Wes Moore and my colleagues on Team Maryland for swiftly delivering aid to impacted businesses and workers. We remain committed to restoring this vital artery for communities and commerce statewide.”

“Two years ago, Baltimore was forever changed by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which claimed the lives of six people who were working through the night to make our city better,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “As we mark this anniversary, we continue to wrap our arms around their families and loved ones, and express gratitude to all of our first responders for their service and dedication. That night, and in the years since, I have witnessed a deeper commitment to partnership between the City and the State, emergency response workers, community partners, and residents than at any point in my nearly 20 years of public service. That same commitment—to stand together in the face of our greatest challenges—carries us forward as we remain committed to seeing this rebuilding effort through.”

“Two years later, we’re still remembering the six lives we lost and the impact that day had on our community,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “We’re grateful for the first responders who acted so quickly, and we’re focused on what comes next—keeping our roads safe, supporting our residents and businesses, and continuing the work to rebuild and strengthen this region.”

“Our state was forever changed when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed two years ago, and took the lives of six beloved men. Each of them came to this country looking for a better life, and were on that bridge working to make life better for all who live here.” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. “As we gather today to reflect on this tragedy, we hold their families and loved ones in our hearts.”

“Two years ago, Maryland experienced an unimaginable tragedy that took lives, devastated families, and disrupted the backbone of our economy and transportation systems,” said Senate President Bill Ferguson. “Today, we honor those we lost and reaffirm to the workers, families, and communities still feeling the impact, that we are rebuilding a stronger Maryland.”

“While we will never forget the shock of seeing the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse into the Patapsco River, on this two-year anniversary of the disaster, let us remember the real tragedy of that day—the six construction workers who lost their lives,” said House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk. “The names of Alejandro Hernández Fuentes, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Carlos Daniel Hernández Estrella, Miguel Ángel Luna González, José Mynor López, and Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval must never be forgotten. Their families must never be forgotten. Their children must never be forgotten. Our work here is not done. We must continue to come together as one to support the communities and families impacted that will forever be changed. Just as we must also affirm our ongoing commitment to rebuilding not just a bridge, but a lifeline for our communities and our economy.”

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