Political Quotes

“I rise to honor the 25th anniversary of the tragic passing of two fallen Capitol Police officers, Officer Jacob J. Chestnut, Jr., and Detective John M. Gibson, who were killed while bravely defending the Capitol on July 24, 1998. In the afternoon of July 24, 1998, a lone gunman forced his way past a security checkpoint, fatally shot Officer Chestnut, and ran toward the offices of Majority Whip Tom DeLay. Detective Gibson, a member of Representative DeLay's protective team, told others to hide and find cover while he stood in defense until he was mortally wounded himself. Office Chestnut and Detective Gibson made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the lives of others in the Capitol that day. Officer Jacob Joseph Chestnut, Jr., was a 20-year Air Force veteran, having served two tours in Vietnam and retired as a master sergeant. He has the distinction of being the first African-American to lie in honor at the Capitol. Detective John Michael Gibson had served with the U.S. Capitol Police for 18 years. He left behind his wife, a 17-year-old daughter, and two sons, 14 and 15 years old. He lay in honor with Officer Chestnut in the Capitol Rotunda. Both men were buried with full honors in Arlington National Cemetery. These men gave their lives here on the grounds of the Capitol, in defense of our democracy.…”