Tim Scott: “Mr. Speaker, as the representative of the Third District of Virginia, I rise to add my voice to the chorus of supporters…”

“Mr. Speaker, as the representative of the Third District of Virginia, I rise to add my voice to the chorus of supporters of families and friends of Special Agent John Gibson and Officer Jacob Chestnut in these painful hours. "Senseless" is the word that keeps coming back to me as I think of the loss to the families and to our community of the lives and contributions of these two fine public servants. The only thing that was not senseless about the tragedy was their bravery and sense of duty in sacrificing their own lives to protect the lives of others and to keep the people's House open to the public. Any loss of life as a result of tragedy is painful to the entire community, but when it comes as a result of a senseless tragedy such as this, we also feel anger, disgust and bewilderment over the loss of their lives and the suffering brought upon their families, friends, and our Nation as a result of a senseless act. No words are ever adequate under these circumstances. Yet I wish to join the long line of my colleagues in Congress to express my deep sorrow and sympathy to the families of these brave officers and to try to find a way to come to grips with this tragedy in our midst. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate and honor the lives and contributions of Special Agent John Gibson and Officer J.J. Chestnut to this Congress and to this community and to our Nation.”