[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 30 (Thursday, March 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO SHANNON ALLEN

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                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 9, 2006

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Shannon Allen for her 
heroic actions Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at Rayburn Elementary School 
in McAllen, Texas.
  At approximately 2:00 pm on Wednesday, an intruder entered the 
Rayburn Elementary School where Mrs. Allen is the Principal. Maria 
Tovar, the academic coordinator, escorted the intruder to the 
administrative office for failure to have a school identification card. 
Mrs. Tovar discovered the intruder was carrying a handgun and 
instructed him to place the weapon in a nearby waste basket. Mrs. Allen 
was informed of the situation and initiated a lock down of the entire 
school via code over the intercom. When Mrs. Allen approached the 
intruder he became agitated and attempted to reach for the loaded and 
cocked handgun in the waste basket. Mrs. Allen, out of concern for the 
safety of her students and staff, tackled the intruder to prevent him 
from retrieving the gun.
  Mrs. Allen was able to restrain the intruder with the assistance of 
Coach Jason Duon and custodian Joe Rico. Seconds later, Officer Ed 
Perez handcuffed and placed the intruder in custody.
  Mr. Speaker, Shannon Allen endangered her life to protect her 
students and staff at Rayburn Elementary School. Given her heroic 
actions, I rise to honor Shannon Allen.

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