[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 25, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H4056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMMENDING ACTIONS BY INDIANA AUTHORITIES TO QUELL THE DISTURBANCE AT
NEW CASTLE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
(Mr. PENCE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute.)
Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, yesterday, as the Nation looked on, once
again Indiana law enforcement, State, county and city personnel, showed
their professionalism and courage.
I rise today to commend the swift response by Indiana State and local
authorities to quell the disturbance that began at 2:01 p.m. at New
Castle Correctional Facility, at the very heart of my congressional
district.
During a routine transfer from a dining hall to their cellblocks, a
group of inmates removed their shirts, an officer was knocked to the
ground, and the situation quickly spiraled out of control involving
nearly one-third of the prison's population.
Guards quickly isolated the areas of disturbance. As the Nation
looked on over the cable airwaves, backup officers arrived just 15
minutes later. The Indiana Department of Correction activated its
Special Emergency Response Team and involved the State police. All
offenders and the facility were secured by 4:45.
Investigations will go forward and questions will be answered, but,
Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of eastern Indiana, I rise to
express my pride and gratitude to the law enforcement community
involved, the State, the local, the city and the county, all those who
ensured that this disturbance was contained, tragedy was averted, and
the people of my congressional district were protected.
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