Lois Capps: “it is difficult to find the right words to express our sorrow at the tragedy that struck the Capitol on Friday…”

“it is difficult to find the right words to express our sorrow at the tragedy that struck the Capitol on Friday afternoon. Today we honor the memories of J.J. Chestnut and John Gibson, the Capitol Police officers who gave their lives protecting others. I join my colleagues in sending my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of these heroic men. I pray that in this time of such sorrow, they will be comforted by their own warm memories. I also hope that the Chestnut and Gibson families will take solace in the knowledge that people all over the world share in their grief. Tomorrow, we will honor these men in an unprecedented fashion by paying our respects as they lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda. Here on Capitol Hill, we have lost two beloved members of our community, indeed our family. Private First Class Chestnut and Detective Gibson loved their jobs, loved their Congress, and loved their country. They were fixtures at their posts, J.J. at the Document Door, and John walking with the Majority Whip. They were the ultimate professionals, and each day went out of their way to improve the quality of life on Capitol Hill. We will never forget them.”