Gregory Meeks: “I rise today with a sad heart to extend my condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of officers J.J.…”

“I rise today with a sad heart to extend my condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of officers J.J. Chestnut and John Gibson. I do this on behalf of my wife, Simone, and our family, my staff, and the constituents of the Sixth Congressional District of New York. One of the things that we have learned is that there is a strong sense of community here. Members and staff view each other as colleagues, and we view our staffs as part of our families. The Capitol Police, in my opinion, are indeed an extension of that spirit of professional respect, friendship, and family. They protect Members, they protect our staffs, and they protect the many visitors that visit the Capitol every day. They risk their lives for us and for America. But we must ask ourselves, what is it that they are protecting? I believe, as I am sure all Americans believe, that they are defending the crucible of freedom. The fact that Officers Chestnut and Gibson gave their lives defending this place will serve as a reminder to me what the words 'duty' and 'service' really mean.”