BREAKING: Distracted Driver Runs Red Light, Strikes Mother of Political Rising Star Karoline Leavitt in Georgia — Family Pleads for Prayers Amid Emotional Emergency
The incident occurred around 3:05 PM in Savannah, Georgia, where witnesses say the victim, identified as Susan Leavitt, was walking across a downtown intersection with family members when a vehicle ran a red light at high speed and struck her directly. Police say the 24-year-old male driver was actively using his phone at the time and made no attempt to brake.
“It was a clear red light. She had the right of way. The car just didn’t stop,” said eyewitness Gloria Morales. “People were screaming, and I saw one young woman drop to her knees yelling ‘Mom!’ That’s when I realized this was no ordinary family.”
Chaos Turns to Crisis
First responders rushed to the scene, where Susan Leavitt lay motionless with serious injuries. Emergency crews applied CPR and administered oxygen before transporting her to Memorial Health University Medical Center, where she remains in critical but stable condition, according to hospital officials.
She reportedly suffered multiple broken ribs, a fractured pelvis, and head trauma. Her family has been at her side since her arrival.
Police confirmed that the driver was texting while driving, in violation of Georgia’s Hands-Free Law, and is now facing multiple charges, including reckless driving, failure to yield, and serious injury by vehicle.
“This was preventable. Entirely,” said Savannah Police Lt. Marcus Bell. “We urge everyone: stop treating the phone like it’s worth more than a life.”
Karoline Leavitt’s Response
Karoline Leavitt, who had recently returned home to spend time with family following a series of high-profile political events, was reportedly just steps behind her mother at the time of the collision. Sources close to the family say she was the one who called 911.
Hours later, Leavitt broke her silence on social media with a message that struck a deeply emotional tone:
“Today, my family experienced the nightmare that so many others have faced due to distracted driving. My beautiful, strong mother was hit by someone who chose a text over the lives in front of him. She is now fighting for hers. Please pray for my mom. We need your strength.”
Her post, accompanied by a black-and-white photo of her holding her mother’s hand in the hospital, received hundreds of thousands of interactions within hours. The hashtag #PrayForSusan quickly began trending across Twitter and Instagram.
A Wave of Support Across Party Lines
Despite the divisive nature of modern politics, responses poured in from across the political spectrum. Conservative leaders like Senator Josh Hawley and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene sent messages of support, while prominent Democrats such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Amy Klobuchar also expressed solidarity.
“Politics aside, we are all human. Praying for Susan’s recovery,” wrote Rep. Ocasio-Cortez.
“This tragedy reminds us how fragile life is,” posted Sen. Tim Scott. “Karoline, we are praying with you.”
Even former President Donald Trump, with whom Leavitt has been politically aligned, issued a short message via Truth Social:
“Our hearts go out to Karoline Leavitt and her family. We’re praying for her mother and wishing for a full recovery. Distracted driving must stop.”
A Family Rooted in Resilience
Friends of the Leavitt family describe Susan as a quiet but fiercely proud mother — someone who always encouraged Karoline’s leadership ambitions but shied away from the spotlight herself.
“Susan is the kind of woman who would drop everything to help someone in need,” said longtime friend Laura Costigan. “She’s tough. If anyone can survive this, it’s her.”
Karoline has frequently spoken of her mother in speeches and interviews, crediting her as the backbone of the family and a key reason she pursued a life in public service.
A Renewed Call to Action on Distracted Driving
Georgia’s Hands-Free Law, in effect since 2018, makes it illegal to use a handheld device while operating a vehicle. Yet, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that over 3,500 people died in distracted driving incidents in 2023 alone.
“These laws are only effective if people take them seriously,” Lt. Bell said. “Sadly, many don’t until it’s too late.”
The Leavitt family’s ordeal has already sparked renewed calls from advocacy groups to strengthen enforcement and expand public awareness campaigns.
Hope in the Face of Tragedy
As Susan Leavitt continues her fight in the ICU, her daughter remains by her side, surrounded by close family, pastors, and friends from both political and personal walks of life.
Karoline has suspended all public appearances and interviews for the foreseeable future.
“My focus right now is on my mother — nothing else matters,” she wrote. “But when this is over, I will use my voice even louder to prevent another family from going through what we are.”
A Family, A Community, A Nation — United
In a time when division often dominates the headlines, the Leavitt family’s crisis has momentarily united people across backgrounds, beliefs, and borders in a shared hope: that a beloved mother survives, and that a careless tragedy does not become a permanent loss.
Because behind every public figure is a private family. And tonight, that family is holding on with everything they have — and asking the world to hold on with them.
Please — for Susan, for your loved ones — put the phone down. No text is worth a life.
