Sylvester Turner: “Friday, July 24, 1998, will be remembered as a tragic chapter in the history of our Capitol. A lone gunman, Russell…”

“Friday, July 24, 1998, will be remembered as a tragic chapter in the history of our Capitol. A lone gunman, Russell Weston, rushed into an east entrance of this building we call the ``People's House'' and in a few brief moments of terrifying exchange of gunfire, took the lives of United States Capitol Police Officers John Gibson and Jacob Chestnut. These men had dedicated the last 18 years of their lives protecting the safety of the Members of Congress, our staffs, and our constituents who visit these halls by the hundreds of thousands each year. On that fateful Friday, Officers Gibson and Chestnut made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives that others might live. No words can adequately praise their heroism or their courage, nor can we fully express our sorrow and sympathy to their families whose loss is so personal and difficult to understand. This afternoon, as my wife Ginny and I joined with hundreds of Americans who have placed flowers on the east steps of the Capitol in expression of sympathy to the families of these two men, it seemed clear that all Americans are reaching out today to the families of these two brave Americans. Their commitment to duty and their unflinching willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice humbles each of us who were beneficiaries of their protections. Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with the Chestnut and Gibson families.”