[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 29 (Thursday, February 15, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2018-S2019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THE TRAGEDY AT TROLLEY SQUARE

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
the many heroes who have emerged out of a horrific tragedy that took 
place in my home State this week.
  On Monday evening, February 12th, a lone gunman entered Trolley 
Square, a bustling shopping, dining, and entertainment plaza located in 
Salt Lake City. For the next several minutes he randomly shot and 
killed five people and wounded four others--leaving a path of 
destruction and a community in utter shock and grief.
  Those who lost their lives that evening included: Teresa Ellis and 
her friend Brad Frantz; Kirsten Hinckley, a 15-year-old sophomore at 
Brighton High School; Vanessa Quinn who was meeting her husband at 
Trolley Square to shop for a long-awaited wedding ring; and Jeffery 
Walker, a Utah marketing director.
  In the ensuing minutes, shoppers scrambled for cover and feared for 
their lives. Shop owners corralled customers

[[Page S2019]]

and helped them take refuge in closets, backrooms, and hidden cubby 
holes. Frantic 9-1-1 calls were placed by many and within minutes 
courageous police officers had contained the suspect.
  As the story unfolded, one hero stood out in the chaotic terror. Off-
duty Ogden police officer Kenneth Hammond was at Trolley Square having 
a pre-Valentines Day dinner with his pregnant wife, Sarita. As they 
were finishing their meal, the Hammonds heard popping noises and looked 
over the mall balcony to see bodies laying below.
  Officer Hammond sent his wife back to call the police and lockdown 
the restaurant. Shouting his name to let customers know he was an off-
duty police officer, and not a second gunman, he made his way to the 
bottom level. He engaged the shooter in a gun battle hoping to distract 
him from killing any other innocent people. Running out of ammunition, 
he was soon joined by a Salt Lake City officer and members of the SWAT 
team. Within about 9 minutes, the battle was over--the suspect lay dead 
along with five beloved members of our community.
  We can only imagine the terror that the brave Hammonds felt. Mrs. 
Hammond, fearing for her husband's safety, bravely went to protect 
other shoppers and alert authorities. Officer Hammond, fearing he would 
not be recognized as a law enforcement official since he was off duty 
and in another jurisdiction, still selflessly reacted to save lives.
  Without a moment's hesitation, Officer Hammond put the needs of our 
community first before any thought for his own safety or well-being.
  There is no question his heroic acts saved countless other lives that 
could have been lost on that tragic evening.
  Words cannot express the vital role his selfless service and 
courageous action played in ending the massacre.
  Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank described Officer Hammond's 
quick action and courage this way: ``Going in and engaging a subject 
who was well armed and prepared to engage him, without having the 
benefits of a uniform, extra equipment or magazines for his firearms, 
is truly heroic.''
  In addition to Officer Hammond, I would like to take this opportunity 
to recognize the many, many other police officers from various law 
enforcement agencies who responded to the calls for help. Precisely and 
courageously these officers went about their duties evacuating the 
premises, getting immediate help for hurt victims, comforting the 
grief-stricken shoppers, and containing the crime scene. I want to 
commend the rapid response of law enforcement agencies who worked 
together on a crime scene of this magnitude. I am proud of all of the 
officers who rendered such important service.
  It is hard to understand why something this horrific happens in life. 
But in this time of our deepest sorrow, it has been comforting to 
witness so many wonderful Utahns who have stepped up to lighten the 
burdens of those involved.
  Neighbors in the vicinity of Trolley Square opened their homes to 
shell-shocked shoppers that night as a refuge to wait for further 
instructions. Total strangers hugged and comforted those leaving the 
mall who desperately needed a strong shoulder to lean on, and grief 
counseling services are being made available to those impacted by this 
tragedy. As neighbors and fellow Utahns, we are united in our grief and 
desire to comfort those suffering.
  My home State has suffered a tragedy of incomprehensible magnitude. 
The actions of one determined to kill will have an impact on many of 
our wonderful citizens for years to come. As difficult as this has been 
and will continue to be, the examples of selfless service and heroic 
acts will never be forgotten.
  I have been deeply touched by so many who truly made a difference in 
the aftermath of this tragedy. Elaine and I pray that our Heavenly 
Father's peace will comfort the family members and friends of the 
victims, as well as all who have been forever touched by this tragedy.

                          ____________________