The news of yesterday’s shooting in Washington, D.C., is heartbreaking. Authorities have reported that a building manager was killed and four others were injured. Police believe the shooting was related to an ongoing dispute between a condominium owner and the association. Our hearts go out to those who were injured, the family and colleagues of the manager who was killed, and everyone affected by this tragedy.

Through our work with community associations, we see firsthand the dedication, patience, and care that board members, community managers, and staff bring to the communities they serve. We have worked alongside you through ordinary challenges and exceptionally difficult circumstances. Although this happened across the country, we recognize that it may feel especially unsettling to those who do this work every day.

We should not speculate about what happened in D.C. or draw conclusions before the facts are known. But we can pause to acknowledge this terrible loss and recognize the people who work every day to serve our communities.

Disagreements are an inevitable part of community association life. Threats and violence should never be. No disagreement over an association matter is more important than someone’s safety.

To the board members, community managers, and staff receiving this message: we see your work, and we appreciate you. Much of what you do goes unnoticed, especially when things are going well. That does not make it any less important. Your well-being matters, too.

Please take a moment to check in with one another. If someone raises a concern about their safety, take it seriously. If there is an immediate threat to anyone’s safety, call 911. If your association is facing threatening conduct or an escalating dispute, please reach out so we can discuss the circumstances and appropriate next steps. You do not need to have everything figured out before calling us.

We care about the communities we represent and the people who keep them running. Thank you for all you do and for the trust you place in our firm.

We’re here for you.