[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 111 (Thursday, July 24, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S9857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE COURAGE AND SACRIFICE OF OFFICER J.J. CHESTNUT AND 
     DETECTIVE JOHN GIBSON ON THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR DEATHS

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the hour of 3:40 
p.m. having arrived, the Senate will observe a moment of silence in 
honor of Capitol Police Officers Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson.
  (Moment of Silence.)
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader.
  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, 5 years ago on this day, Officers J.J. 
Chestnut and John Gibson were killed in the line of duty defending the 
United States Capitol.
  At 3:40 p.m. on Friday afternoon, July 24th, 1998, a deranged gunman 
burst through what is now called the Memorial Door and shot Officer 
Chestnut in the head. The gunman then moved to the first floor where he 
attempted to enter the majority whip's office. There, he met Officer 
Gibson who blocked the intruder and opened fire. A gun battle ensued 
and Officer Gibson was fatally shot.
  Officers Chestnut and Gibson lost their lives that day for us, for 
this Capitol, for the United States of America.
  Officer Chestnut, a father of five, was only months away from 
retirement. His sister-in-law said that J.J. was ``the most wonderful 
man you would ever meet . . . He just wanted to enjoy his garden and 
enjoy his children.'' A Vietnam vet, Officer Chestnut spent 20 years in 
the Air Force before serving 18 years as a Capitol Police Officer. He 
was recognized by all of his colleagues as a dedicated, kind, and good 
man.
  John Gibson, also an 18-year veteran on the Capitol force, was a 
father of three. He was described by friends as generous and God-
fearing. Only a few days before the shooting, he told one of his 
colleagues that he had never had to use his weapon, but if he did, he 
would be focused, and concentrate on the task at hand. Little did he 
know how soon he would be tested, and how valiantly he would perform in 
our service, in the Nation's service.
  Officers Chestnut and Gibson will always be remembered for their 
personal and professional integrity, their bravery, and their 
sacrifice. We honor them today with a brief moment of silence.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Democratic leader.
  Mr. DASCHLE. The poet Archibald MacLeish was an ambulance driver in 
World War I. Years later, in a poem about soldiers lost in battle, he 
wrote:

     The young dead soldiers do not speak.
     Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses.
     Who has not heard them?
     They have a silence that speaks for them at night and when 
           the clock strikes.

  It is right, and it is important, that we stop every year at this 
moment to remember in silence the courage and sacrifice of Officer J.J. 
Chestnut and Detective John Gibson.
  But it is not only at this moment, on this day, that we remember 
these fallen heroes.
  We remember Officer J.J. Chestnut and Detective John Gibson every 
time we pass the Memorial Door and see that bronze plaque that bears 
their likenesses.
  We remember them whenever we see Capitol Police officers working 
double shifts to protect us.
  We remembered them yesterday, when we heard the awful news about the 
shooting at New York City Hall.
  Like the young soldiers in the poem, 5 years after that terrible 
Friday afternoon, J.J. Chestnut and John Gibson are still heard in this 
house--the people's House.
  We hear them in the conversations, the questions and the laughter of 
the schoolchildren and scout troops and all the others who visit this 
Capitol.
  Five years ago, we probably did not understand fully the risks the 
Capitol Police take every day when they put on their badges and come to 
work, but Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson understood.
  They knowingly risked their lives because they loved this building 
and what it represents, and they wanted others to be able to see their 
Government at work.
  We are not as innocent now as we were then. September 11 and the 
anthrax attacks made us all more aware that there are those who want to 
see the people's House closed, even destroyed.
  The fact that this Capitol remains open--that visitors can still walk 
these majestic halls and sit in these galleries--is a powerful symbol 
of America's commitment to democracy. It is a testimony to the skill 
and courage of the Capitol Police. And it is a daily, living tribute to 
Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson.
  Today is a sad day for the members of the Capitol family, but it is 
not just with sadness that we remember our two fallen heroes.
  We also remember how much we liked and respected them. We remember 
how much J.J. Chestnut loved his garden, and how crazy John Gibson was 
about his Red Sox. We remember how proud they were of their work, and 
how deeply they both loved their families.
  Our hearts, and our prayers, go out today to their brothers and 
sisters in arms, the members of the Capitol Police, to the many friends 
they left behind, and especially, to their widows and children and, in 
Officer Chestnut's case, his grandchildren.
  We think of them often, as well. Their sacrifices, too, will never be 
forgotten.
  Officer J.J. Chestnut and Detective John Gibson gave their lives to 
protect something that is sacred to all of us. In doing so, they surely 
saved the lives of countless others. They are heroes.
  Five years later, we remain in awe of their courage and sacrifice. 
And we are grateful to them beyond words.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alaska.
  Mr. STEVENS. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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