James Comer: “Last Tuesday, January 23, at 7:57 a.m., shots erupted through the commons area of Marshall County High School in Benton…”

“Last Tuesday, January 23, at 7:57 a.m., shots erupted through the commons area of Marshall County High School in Benton, Kentucky, taking the lives of two students and wounding many others. The school is the cornerstone of life and activity, and the incomprehensible events of last week have shaken the community to its core. In the aftermath of the devastation, a vast network of spirited, compassionate students and alumni have united to support and further strengthen the tight-knit, resilient community of Marshall County. As students and faculty attempt to return to some semblance of normalcy this week, I am joined by my colleagues from the Kentucky delegation to express our gratitude for the educators and first responders who acted bravely and efficiently. We pray for the survivors who are continuing to recover from their injuries, and we remember Preston Cope and Bailey Holt, whose young lives were cut tragically short, as well as their families and friends left behind. Mr. Speaker, please rise and join me in a moment of silence to honor Preston and Bailey. ____________________”