Mayor Scott Honored Victims by Laying Commemorative Wreaths at the Collapse Site, Thanked First Responders and City Government Officials for their Work

BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, March 26, 2025) - Yesterday, Mayor Brandon M. Scott observed the one-year anniversary of the Key Bridge collapse at a memorial event. Mayor Scott, Governor Wes Moore, Fire Chief James Wallace, Police Commissioner Richard Worley, OEM Director Joey Henderson, and MIMA Director Catalina Rodriguez Lima met with victims' families, and rode Fire Boat 1, the John R. Frazier, out to the collapse site. There, they laid six memorial wreaths in honor of the victims who lost their lives in the collapse, then observed a prayer and a moment of silence.

"Today we reflect and continue to grieve the unthinkable tragedy of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge," said Mayor Scott. "A year ago, we lost six Marylanders working tirelessly to improve our communities. We honor their memory, and we continue to this day to honor the promise we made to their families and loved ones that we would always be there to wrap our arms around them and to offer the support they needed. While this anniversary is a day of mourning, it is not a day of grief alone. It is also a day to commemorate the strength, resilience, the Baltimore grit that we showed the world in that moment, and the importance of never doubting the spirit of Charm City. It is also about noting how strong we are when collective action brings us together. In my nearly 20 years of public service, I have never witnessed a deeper partnership than what emerged in the wake of the catastrophe. That partnership continues as we work to rebuild, and it will continue to fuel us in whatever challenges may lay ahead."

"This morning, we returned to the site of one of the darkest moments in Maryland's history to remember both the tragedy of that day and the triumph of our response. One year ago, we lost six Marylanders. Thousands were without work. An enduring feature of Baltimore's skyline and spirit lay in a tangled wreck at the bottom of the river. But in the face of the unthinkable, Maryland rallied," said Gov. Moore. "First responders, elected officials, business owners, dock workers, military leaders, and Marylanders from all corners of society united. In partnership, we brought closure to the families, reopened the channel, and supported our people- faster than anyone could have anticipated. And together, we will rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Today, and every day, we continue to pray for the victims and their families, we continue to feel deep gratitude for all those who stepped up, and we will continue to prove what it means to be Maryland Tough and Baltimore Strong."

"One year after the tragic collapse of the Key Bridge, we remember and honor Dorlian, Miguel, Jose, Alejandro, Maynor, and Carlos- fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, and dedicated workers. They lost their lives doing the essential work that keeps our community safe, and we must continue to honor their legacy. As we commemorate this tragedy, we extend our deepest gratitude to the organizations that provided unwavering support to the victims' families and survivors in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs. We are also profoundly grateful to the Baltimore Civic Fund and the thousands of individuals whose generosity made the Key Bridge Emergency Fund possible, ensuring ongoing support for the families impacted by this devastating loss," said Director of the Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs Catalina Rodriguez Lima.

"One year ago, our city faced an unimaginable tragedy with the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. In the face of uncertainty and devastation, the men and women of the Baltimore City Fire Department, alongside our dedicated city agencies, as well as regional, state, and federal partners answered the call with unwavering courage, professionalism, and resolve. Today, as we remember the lives lost, we also honor the bravery and teamwork that defined our response. I could not be prouder of our city and this department's heroes who put everything on the line that day. The Baltimore City Fire Department will always stand ready to protect, serve, and support Baltimore in its time of need," said Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace.

"Our hearts remain with the families who lost loved ones and all those affected by the bridge collapse," said Police Commissioner Richard Worley. "I am grateful that in the midst of this tragedy, the men and women of the BPD stood ready to assist those in need in any way they could. I want to express my deepest gratitude for the heroic efforts of our Underwater Dive Team and all the first responders who worked tirelessly in response to this incident."

"The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a heartbreaking tragedy for both the State of Maryland and the City of Baltimore. We will forever honor the lives lost, as well as the first responders who acted swiftly and selflessly, demonstrating extraordinary courage, teamwork, and dedication in the face of crisis. As we mark one year since that fateful day, we not only remember those we lost but also look ahead with pride in the work of the Office of Emergency Management and the City of Baltimore. Together, we've shown unwavering resilience and commitment, ensuring Baltimore remains prepared and strong in the face of any challenge," said Director of the Office of Emergency Management Joey Henderson.

"One year after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, we honor those lost, recognize the extraordinary resilience of those forever affected, and commend the strong partnership of city and state agencies supporting Baltimore's vital Port businesses and workers. In the wake of this tragedy, the Mayor's Office of Employment Development has implemented initiatives to retain workers, sustain Port businesses and train residents for future opportunities. Our commitment to rebuilding stronger remains steadfast, and we will continue to stand with Baltimore's workers and businesses for years to come," said Director of the Mayor's Office of Employment Development MacKenzie Garvin, Esq.

The Key Bridge tragedy was a defining moment that the City of Baltimore met with swift and coordinated action. After the collapse, Mayor Scott marshalled every available resource to support impacted residents. They worked alongside numerous partners to respond to the crisis, including the state and federal government, community organizations, and charitable groups. In the weeks following the collapse, the City released the Key Bridge Response 2024 Action Plan: a document outlining the City's plan in ongoing recovery efforts. Since then, the City has made significant progress towards the goals outlined in the plan.

In 2024, the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MIMA), with sponsorship from the Baltimore Civic Fund, organized the Key Bridge Emergency Response Fund. The City helped raise public donations for the fund, ultimately raising $1.14 million from thousands of individuals and organizations. This money went to the victims' families, supporting them with essential expenses including rent, food, utilities, childcare, remittances, and funeral costs. To date, the City has distributed approximately half of these funds and will continue disbursing them through December 2025.

MIMA organized a 15-member team working around the clock to provide the families with individualized case management support. These caseworkers helped the families navigate complex systems while addressing their unique linguistic and cultural needs. MIMA is still in contact with the families, supporting them as they rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience.

The Mayor's Office of Employment Development administered a Wage Subsidy Program to support workers at port-related businesses. This program helped save over 100 jobs at dozens of businesses- 22% of which were women-owned and 74% of which were minority-owned. The Mayor's Office of Children and Family Success provided rental and utility assistance to residents.

Recovery continues, and there remains a long way to go. The destruction of the Key Bridge has impacted every single Baltimorean, substantially taxed Baltimore's infrastructure, and cost the city many millions of dollars. Through it all, the City and its citizens have persevered, working every day to make Baltimore a better, more equitable place- even in the face of tragedy.