Donald M. Payne: “Over the weekend, my district endured a tremendous tragedy. Early Sunday morning, Jersey City Police Officer Melvin…”

“Over the weekend, my district endured a tremendous tragedy. Early Sunday morning, Jersey City Police Officer Melvin Santiago was shot at close range and killed in the line of duty by a madman with a gun. At the young age of 23, Officer Santiago had his whole life ahead of him. He recently graduated from the police academy and had performed his job with such dedication. Neighbors and family members said that he was an angel who was proud to say he was a Jersey City police officer. To me, to the people of Jersey City, and the people of the 10th Congressional District, Officer Santiago was a hero. Mr. Speaker, this is yet another reminder that we, as leaders of this country, must take action to address the growing gun violence. Parents, children, and families are living in fear to walk to school, to shop at the corner store, or go to the movies. In the greatest country on Earth, fear of gun violence should not consume our daily lives. I want to offer my condolences to Officer Santiago's family. ____________________”