Lawmakers, friends react to news of state auditor’s death
Clayton Police confirmed Thursday afternoon State Auditor Tom Schweich died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Lawmakers and friends of Schweich were shocked and saddened by the news.
Governor Nixon immediately ordered flags to be flown at half-staff outside all state buildings in his honor.
Nixon released this statement, “I join all Missourians in mourning the passing of State Auditor Tom Schweich, a brilliant, devoted and accomplished public servant who dedicated his career to making Missouri and the world a better place,” Gov. Nixon said. “From his courageous work to combat the illegal drug trade abroad in Afghanistan to his tireless efforts to protect the interests of taxpayers here in Missouri, Tom Schweich’s exceptional intellect and unwavering dedication to public service left a legacy that will endure for many years to come. The First Lady and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Tom’s wife Kathy and two children, Emilie and Thomas, Jr.”
State Republican Party Chairman John Hancock said, “I am in utter shock at the news of Tom Schweich’s tragic passing. Tom will be remembered as a tenacious, energetic, effective elected official who worked tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of this state and this nation. I ask all Missourians to join me in praying for Tom’s family.”
Senator Claire McCaskill said, “I am very sad, and hurt so much for Tom Schweich’s family. He was a good man, and a dedicated public servant, who served our country in so many capacities with distinction and honor. Hug those you love.”
Senate leaders issued a joint statement, “We would like to offer our prayers and sympathy to the family of Auditor Tom Schweich. Tom’s experience as a talented federal prosecutor, diplomat and Ambassador made him become a brilliant auditor. In his service to the state of Missouri, he led hundreds of audits, making it his mission to fight corruption and bring transparency to many offices across the state. Our heartfelt prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.”
Secretary of State Jason Kander said, “Tom Schweich was a devoted public servant that I feel fortunate to have gotten to know as a friend and colleague over the past few years. Whether he was serving as our State Auditor, the U.S. Coordinator for Counternarcotics and Justice Reform in Afghanistan, or working at the State Department, Tom always fought tirelessly for the people he was serving. Anyone who had a conversation with Tom knew how dedicated he was to his service. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Kathy and his children Emilie and Thomas, Jr.”
State Representative Vicky Hartzler said, “I am heartbroken to hear of Tom’s death. He was a dedicated public servant who truly cared for and fought for Missourians. My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to his wife and children.”
Attorney General Chris Koster expressed his condolences on Schweich’s passing.
“Tom Schweich was a lifelong public servant for our state and country. I am deeply saddened by his sudden loss, and extend my heartfelt sympathy to his family. I ask all Missourians to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” said Koster.
U.S. Rep. Sam Graves said, “I am very saddened to hear of Tom’s passing,” said Rep. Graves. “Tom was a dedicated public servant, proud Missourian, and loving father and husband. My thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family in this very difficult time.”
Missouri Sec. of State candidate Jay Ashcroft said, “With a profound sense of grief, my family and I offer our heartfelt condolences to Auditor Schweich’s family for their tragic loss today. Tom served our state and nation with honor and distinction for many years. His career will be remembered for his legacy of integrity and hard work. We will continue to keep his loved ones in our prayers in the coming days and weeks.
State Treasurer Clint Zweifel said,”It is with a heavy heart that I send my thoughts and prayers to the Schweich family during this difficult time. Tom served his state and country admirably, and fought strongly for his values. With his passing, Missouri has lost a devoted public servant. He will be missed.”
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of state Auditor Tom Schweich. We appreciated his high standards for state government and his dedication to his work. Schweich will be missed as a public servant. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time,” said Missouri Commissioner of Education Dr. Margie Vandeven.
“We are brokenhearted at the passing of Tom Schweich. He was a fine leader, caring and passionate about his service to the State of Missouri, a brilliant man of great integrity and patriotism, many interests and much accomplishment in law, diplomacy and public affairs. He was our friend. We will miss him, and our prayers go out to Kathy, their children and all of those who knew Tom and loved him,” said Jim and Brenda Talent.
Senator Blaine Luetkemeyer said, “Today, Missouri lost a man who was a true public servant through and through. Tom Schweich, a fifth-generation Missourian, is someone who would fight day and night to better our great state. Tom will always be remembered as a true conservative and a loving and devoted father and husband. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues, and friends, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.”
Senator Roy Blunt released this statement,”Tom was very smart, very capable, outstanding at his job, and a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathy, their children, and the rest of Tom’s friends and family as they deal with this tragic loss.”
Candidate for Missouri Governor Randy Asbury said, “My heart is broken over the news of Tom Schweich. My family and I stand ready to assist his family in any way possible. Our prayers began immediately upon hearing the news and will continue for Tom’s family and staff. I join with all Missourians in showing heartfelt appreciation for his years of selfless public service. Tom’s dedication to Missourians will be remembered into the distant future. I encourage everyone throughout Missouri to pray for Tom’s family, friends and staff as they deal with this tragic loss.”
ABC 17 News has a crew in Clayton and at the state Capitol and will bring the latest details on funeral arrangements for Schweich.
