Hate is Heavy, Love is Light: A Celebration of Dan Anderl’s Life

Image courtesy of Catholic University Campus Ministry

by Trinity Ruiz 

“Love has the capacity to heal our mind, body, and soul,” said Judge Esther Salas in her testimony. Last Thursday, resident ministers hosted the second CUA on Tap event of the semester, welcoming Judge Salas and her husband Mark Anderl to share their testimony in light of the death of their beloved son Daniel Anderl. Daniel, who would have entered his senior year at Catholic, was beautifully commemorated for a life wonderfully lived. 

On July 19th, 2020, Daniel Anderl was killed in his own home when he opened the door to a man dressed in a FedEx delivery suit. With his father, Mark, behind him, Daniel was shot several times. Mark, also a victim to the several gunshots fired, suffered from life-threatening injuries. Before Salas could come upstairs from their basement, the gunman had fled, and both her son and husband were on the ground; Daniel with his hands against his heart and Mark kneeling in an attempt to capture the license plate of the gunman. The shooter, a self-addressed misogynist attorney whose intent was to target Salas, was found dead days later by self-inflicted gunshot wounds. 

The event opened in prayer and led with two videos, one of which was dedicated to the inaugural 5k marathon that was hosted in Daniel’s honor, and the other which encapsulated the vibrant life he lived. Friends and family at the 5k wore the number 11 to highlight how Daniel’s birthday adds up to the angelic number 11, he was baptized on November 11th, and Mark Anderl had his life-saving surgery on the 11th of February; not to mention that Daniel had worn this number on his sports jerseys more than a few times. 

Mark spoke first about Daniel’s origins and how he was a “5 in 1” after his wife had four failed miscarriages. Being raised Roman Catholic, Daniel was taught by his parents to fear nothing, always forgive, and know that there is a beginning and end. At the time of his end, “Daniel was in a state of grace” says Mark. Because of this, Mark was able to forgive his son’s murderer while fighting for his life in the ICU in late August 2020. 

Before Salas began her testimony, she asked those who attended the Zoom call hosted in remembrance of Daniel just days after passing to stand. She asked those who attended Daniel’s funeral services to stand. She asked anyone who sent something to their home after the tragedy to stand. She asked anyone who attended the 5k to stand. She asked that anyone who sent her family a prayer stand. The remaining stood and the room was filled with such devotion and respect. 

The day Daniel’s life was taken, Salas was in a catatonic state. All the lights inside of her had turned off. She knew that it couldn’t be stopped because, as this man had been tracking their family for quite some time, “God gave us free will a long time ago.” But she couldn’t let go of the anger she held for her son’s killer; she could not forgive. 

On July 22, 2020, just a few days after Daniel died, Salas felt “a gentle nudge from above.” She knew it was time to get up and the light inside of her had switched back on. It was not until August 20 that she was able to truly forgive the man who’d stolen their son’s life. Esther and Mark’s pastor agreed to conduct masses in their temporary home and on this day, his homily entailed forgiveness. The pastor asked if Jesus could forgive Peter who had forsaken him not once, but three times, who are we to withhold forgiveness?

From that moment, Salas found the strength to tell God she chose to forgive; she said this was “truly liberating.” The power of forgiveness had enabled her to take control of her emotions and to think intently about whether or not she chose to follow her ego or her heart. This had changed Salas’ perception moving forward and allowed her to “find meaningful purpose” in her life…Daniel was her reason to live. She has dedicated these last few months to “sounding an alarm” within Congress to protect the judiciary and democracy itself. 

The Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act was signed by Governor Murphy in New Jersey in November of 2020. Daniel’s law was enacted to eliminate easy access to personally identifiable information (PII) and ultimately increase protection for her fellow judges, as threats against federal judges, prosecutors, and court officials continue to rise. Salas hopes that it will pass through Congress but says it is “not progressing as quickly as it should be.” However, she emphasizes that every day “we don’t do something to protect our federal judiciary,” is a life vulnerable to the possibility of what her family has endured. 

Provost Dominguez and President Garvey later took the stage and presented Judge Salas and Mark Salas their son’s baccalaureate degree in Philosophy with a Pre-Law track. Once again, everyone in the room stood to honor Daniel’s achievements and good spirit.

 “Death ends a life, not a relationship,” Salas says firmly. 

Salas was dressed elegantly in a baby blue suit which “Daniel helped pick out.” She bought the suit for her interview with Good Morning America in October of 2020. Salas said that when shopping, the suit just “appeared” on the rack in her size and she didn’t even need to get it tailored. She said the shade of blue was Daniel’s favorite color. 

Salas concluded with three pieces of advice for living. First, to accept because anything you resist will only cause “stress, anger, and sorrow.” Second, to do what brings you joy because that will enable fulfillment. Third, to do what you love with nothing but enthusiasm. Salas encouraged the audience to live in the moment. “If you don’t focus on the now, then we wouldn’t be able to function, and Daniel wouldn’t have wanted that.” 

Esther and Mark’s incredible strength has helped them to find reason in their lives. It has enabled them to let go of their resentment and strengthen their relationship with Christ. The two share what brings them joy. Mark is fulfilled by his love for practicing law while Esther is nourished by spending time outdoors in nature. Salas shared that butterflies have been a recent consistency; she connects them to God and Daniel’s spirit always remaining with her. 

“If you’re open to seeing the signs, you will see them; the signs are there…if you’re receptive.”