Trey Gowdy: “I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, violent crimes that impact multiple victims in mass shootings in…”

“I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, violent crimes that impact multiple victims in mass shootings in particular are unpredictable and, in addition to sending shock waves through the communities impacted, often test the resources of the State and local law enforcement jurisdictions involved. Regrettably, within our lifetime, there have been scores of mass shootings ranging from restaurants to high schools to universities and churches. No place is safe. There are no sanctuaries left any more, Mr. Speaker, in our culture. And despite the tremendous training, education, and hard work of the brave women and men in State and local law enforcement, these types of tragedies can test even the most well-resourced law enforcement agencies. Not only is there an active crime scene with victims, there are hundreds of pieces of forensic or ballistic evidence, and the gathering of evidence is taking place sometimes contemporaneous with the search for an assailant. There is a deep and rich history of cooperation and collaboration between and among law enforcement agencies. This is true at the local level, the State level and, indeed, at the Federal level. Federal law enforcement agencies have unique skill sets, access to resources and equipment and other investigative techniques that can and do assist smaller police departments on a regular basis. But, Mr.…”