Russ Feingold: “in the wake of the terrible crime committed in the Capitol last Friday, I want to take a moment to reflect on the…”

“in the wake of the terrible crime committed in the Capitol last Friday, I want to take a moment to reflect on the courage exhibited by the Capitol Police force in the face of that attack at the heart of America's democracy. The Capitol Police have guarded the U.S. Congress since 1828, but their finest, yet most tragic, moment came on July 24, 1998, when two officers gave their lives to defend their fellow citizens, and our Capitol and all that it represents. Officer Jacob J. Chestnut and Detective John M. Gibson, like all the quiet heroes of the Capitol Police force and their colleagues across America, came to work each day, performing their duties with dedication and professionalism, prepared at any moment to lay down their lives so that others could be saved, and the security of the Capitol could be preserved. In a few terrifying minutes on the afternoon of July 24th, that moment came, as Detective Gibson and Officer Chestnut gave their lives for ours, and for countless other people working and visiting here that day. As they bravely defended the Capitol, Detective Gibson and Officer Chestnut showed the enormity of their courage, the depth of their character, and the fullness of their commitment to duty as Capitol Police officers. As Americans, we owe Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson a debt that can never be repaid.”