Kristi Noem, the Governor of South Dakota, reportedly made this statement in her book “American Pride, Not Politics,” published in November 2021. The context of the statement is related to her decision not to impose strict lockdown measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in South Dakota. Noem has been criticized for her handling of the pandemic, with some arguing that her approach prioritized economic concerns over public health.

Noem’s acknowledgment that “we could have killed so many people” likely refers to the potential consequences of implementing strict lockdowns and other measures that could have affected the economy and people’s livelihoods. However, it’s important to note that her comments have been subject to interpretation and debate, with supporters and critics offering differing perspectives on her approach to managing the pandemic.

As with any statement from a public figure, it’s essential to consider the broader context and seek out multiple sources of information to understand the full scope of the issue.