[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 10, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H1240-H1242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING OFFICERS' ACTIONS DURING LAS VEGAS COURTHOUSE ASSAULT

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1061) honoring the heroic actions of 
Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper, Deputy United States Marshal 
Richard J. ``Joe'' Gardner, the law enforcement officers of the United 
States Marshals Service and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, 
and the Court Security Officers in responding to the armed assault at 
the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse on January 4, 2010.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1061

       Whereas, on January 4, 2010, during an assault at the 
     entrance of the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse in Las 
     Vegas, Nevada, Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper was 
     fatally wounded and died heroically in the line of duty while 
     protecting the employees, occupants, and visitors of the 
     courthouse;
       Whereas Deputy United States Marshal Richard J. ``Joe'' 
     Gardner was wounded in the line of duty while protecting the 
     employees, occupants, and visitors of the courthouse;
       Whereas the Court Security Officers and members of the 
     United States Marshals Service and the Las Vegas Metropolitan 
     Police Department acted swiftly and bravely to subdue the 
     gunman and minimize risk and injury to the public; and
       Whereas the heroic actions of Court Security Officer 
     Stanley Cooper, Deputy United States Marshal Richard J. 
     ``Joe'' Gardner, and the law enforcement officers who 
     responded to the attack prevented additional harm to innocent 
     bystanders: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) commends the brave actions and quick thinking exhibited 
     by Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper during the assault 
     at the entrance of the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse;
       (2) offers its deepest condolences to the family and 
     friends of Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper, who 
     valiantly gave his life in the line of duty;
       (3) commends Deputy United States Marshal Richard J. 
     ``Joe'' Gardner for his actions and bravery in responding to 
     the assault;
       (4) wishes Deputy United States Marshal Richard J. ``Joe'' 
     Gardner a speedy recovery from the wounds he sustained in the 
     line of duty; and
       (5) applauds the Court Security Officers and members of the 
     United States Marshals Service and Las Vegas Metropolitan 
     Police Department for their brave and courageous actions in 
     responding to the assault at the Lloyd D. George Federal 
     Courthouse.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Johnson) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia.


                             General Leave

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Georgia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution honors the heroic actions of Court 
Security Officer Stanley Cooper, Deputy United States Marshal Richard 
J. ``Joe'' Gardner, the law enforcement officers of the United States 
Marshal Service and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, as well 
as the court security officers involved in responding to the armed 
assault at the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse in Las Vegas, Nevada, 
this past January 4, 2010.
  On January 4, 2010, a man entered the lobby of the Lloyd D. George 
Federal Courthouse, pulled a shotgun from underneath his jacket, and 
began firing indiscriminately from outside the security area where 
visitors pass through the metal detectors. Through a swift response, 
law enforcement officers were able to chase the gunman from the 
courthouse and ultimately subdue him.
  Court security officers and members of the United States Marshal 
Service and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department acted bravely 
to subdue the gunman and minimize risk and injury to the public. 
Without regard for their own safety, they performed their

[[Page H1241]]

duty and protected all who were present in the courthouse that day from 
the threat of deadly harm through their swift and effective response.
  Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper was a 26-year veteran of the 
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and worked as a courthouse 
security officer since 1994. On January 4, 2010, Officer Cooper was 
fatally wounded and died heroically in the line of duty while 
protecting the employees, occupants, and visitors at the courthouse. 
Deputy United States Marshal Richard J. ``Joe'' Gardner was wounded in 
the line of duty while protecting the employees, occupants, and 
visitors of the courthouse.
  This slaying and wounding of these two officers is a sobering 
reminder, Mr. Speaker, that law enforcement officers put themselves in 
dangerous situations every day in order to protect and serve the 
citizens of our country. Through our recognition today of the exemplary 
actions of these officers, we are celebrating the nameless, 
unrecognized acts of bravery and service performed every day by our 
brothers and sisters in law enforcement.
  By way of this resolution, the House of Representatives commends the 
brave actions and quick thinking of the court officers, the United 
States Marshals, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in 
responding to the assault at the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse. It 
also extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of 
Officer Cooper, who valiantly gave his life in the line of duty. And it 
wishes Deputy Gardner a speedy recovery from the wounds that he 
sustained in the line of duty on that day.
  All of these officers are heroes. We hope their families will take 
pride, and in the case of Officer Cooper, a small measure of 
consolation and comfort, in the knowledge that their actions were 
recognized by this body and they are celebrated today.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support this important resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in total support of House Resolution 1061, 
honoring the heroic actions of Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper, 
Deputy United States Marshal Richard J. ``Joe'' Gardner, the law 
enforcement officers of the United States Marshal Service, the Las 
Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the court security officers 
in responding to an armed assault at the Lloyd D. George Federal 
Courthouse.
  On the morning of January 4, 2010, an armed gunman walked into the 
Las Vegas Courthouse and opened fire, fatally wounding Court Security 
Officer Stanley Cooper and seriously wounding Deputy United States 
Marshal J. ``Joe'' Gardner.
  The valiant actions of these two men saved the lives of many people 
and innocent civilians in the courthouse. In a time of tragedy and 
crisis, Court Security Officer Cooper and Deputy United States Marshal 
Gardner responded immediately with selfless courage, placing the lives 
of others before their own.
  Court Security Officer Cooper lived his life protecting the lives of 
other people. After 26 years of service with the Las Vegas Metropolitan 
Police Department, he retired to work at the Las Vegas Courthouse as a 
security officer. It was here that Officer Cooper died valiantly 
defending the halls of justice. For even after being fatally wounded, 
he continued to try to subdue the gunman, ultimately ensuring the 
safety of those that were in the courthouse that day. We join in the 
sorrow of his family and mourn the loss of this great individual. His 
legacy of a life dedicated to public service will not be forgotten.
  In the moments that followed the fatal shooting, Deputy United States 
Marshal Joe Gardner and six other members of the United States Marshal 
Service, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and court security 
officers acted swiftly to subdue the gunman. Deputy United States 
Marshal Joe Gardner suffered gunshot wounds to his upper arm. We are 
grateful his life was not lost on that tragic day, and we honor his 
courageous actions as well.
  The memory of that day serves as a haunting reminder of the dangers 
that our law enforcement officers face each day of their lives. In a 
split second, on a quiet Monday morning, it can turn into a battle 
between those who seek to harm innocent people and those who give their 
lives fighting to protect those same individuals.
  Today, we honor Officer Cooper, Deputy United States Marshal Gardner, 
and law enforcement officers across this country. We remember the high 
price they pay for answering the call of duty, and they are on duty 
every day.
  The tragic events that occurred on January 4, 2010 will be remembered 
by all of us. We will not forget the heroism and patriotism that was 
shown by Officer Cooper, Deputy U.S. Marshal Gardner, and the six other 
brave men and women.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 5 minutes 
to the distinguished representative from Nevada, Dina Titus.
  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House 
Resolution 1061.
  As you have heard, on January 4, 2010, an armed assailant with a 
history of violent behavior opened fire at the Lloyd D. George Federal 
Courthouse in downtown Las Vegas. The brave security personnel at the 
courthouse, U.S. marshals, and other emergency responders acted quickly 
and valiantly to ensure the safety of courthouse staff, visitors, and 
other bystanders in the area. Tragically, however, Officer Stanley 
Cooper was fired upon by the gunman and later succumbed to his wounds.
  Officer Cooper had previously served as a Las Vegas Metropolitan 
Police officer for 26 years and had been a security officer at the 
courthouse for 15 years. He was a familiar face, a friendly hello when 
you walked in the building, and a person who gave his all to the job of 
protecting others.
  Deputy U.S. Marshal Richard J. ``Joe'' Gardner, a member of the U.S. 
Marshal Service for the past 24 years, was also there. He bravely 
chased after the suspect and was shot in the arm.
  The courthouse, which is home to many Federal offices and courts, 
including the U.S. District Court of Nevada, stands for justice and 
liberty for all Americans and fairness for all who enter. The building 
opened in 2002 and was one of the first new Federal buildings to be 
constructed according to safety standards that went into effect after 
the tragic Oklahoma City bombing. Those safety standards, combined with 
the bravery of the courthouse security force, ensured that no citizens 
were injured, the shooter did not get past security checkpoints, the 
situation was resolved quickly, and all of the judges and people who 
work in the building or who were there visiting were safe.
  I wish Deputy U.S. Marshal Gardner a speedy recovery, and I offer my 
deepest condolences to the family of Officer Stanley Cooper. Today, we 
honor their brave service to our community.
  So I would urge you to join me, as my colleagues, in supporting this 
resolution, a companion of which has already been passed by our Senate 
colleagues.
  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I now yield such time as she may 
consume to the distinguished congresswoman from Nevada, Shelley 
Berkley.
  Ms. BERKLEY. I appreciate the congressman's yielding.
  I particularly want to thank my colleague from Nevada, Dina Titus, 
for introducing this resolution. I think it's very important to honor 
those in Las Vegas who have given so much to their country.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution and 
the law enforcement personnel who put their lives at risk every day in 
order to protect their fellow Americans. Today, we honor two Nevadan 
heroes, Stanley Cooper and Joe Gardner, for their courageous actions 
while protecting the staff and visitors at the Lloyd George Federal 
Courthouse in Las Vegas during an armed assault earlier this year. 
Officer Cooper was downed during this senseless act of violence and 
gave his life while bravely serving his country.

                              {time}  1215

  We should never forget the heroic sacrifice he made, and my thoughts 
and prayers go out to his family.

[[Page H1242]]

  U.S. Marshal Gardner thought quickly and acted bravely in responding 
to the armed assault, and I wish him a speedy recovery from the wounds 
he received in the line of duty.
  I also commend the other court security officers, U.S. marshals and 
the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for their quick and 
courageous responses to this attack and for protecting the public and 
preventing further loss of life.
  This resolution honors these public servants' courageous actions and 
Officer Cooper's legacy of bravery and selflessness. This resolution 
serves as a tribute, not only to Officer Cooper and to U.S. Marshal 
Gardner, but to all public servants who put their lives on the line 
daily while serving their country. I encourage my colleagues to support 
this measure.
  If I may take an additional minute, to those of our fellow citizens 
who are so frustrated with their government or who are so angry with 
life or with what is happening in this country or in their lives, there 
has to be a better way than this to express your anger and frustration.
  In the aftermath of these tragedies, the government continues to 
function; Congress continues to meet; life goes on except for the lives 
of the perpetrators. More often than not, they are brought down by 
those who protect and defend the rest of us. Their families are 
destroyed, and they can't figure out why their loved ones reacted in 
this manner, and the misery they cause to their innocent fellow 
citizens, who are only doing their jobs, is beyond mention.
  So I say to those who are angry and frustrated, do not do this. It 
creates misery in this country that has no place in the United States 
of America.
  Again, I offer Officer Cooper's family my condolences and Officer 
Gardner a very speedy recovery.
  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I spent 30 years as a prosecutor and 
as a judge at the courthouse in Houston, all in the criminal courts 
building. I am very familiar with the individuals who work in the 
courthouse, who protect those who come to the seat of justice, to the 
bar of justice to seek grievances against our government.
  Throughout those years, it became obvious to me that, in our country, 
the way we settle disputes is at the courthouse where we have two 
sides, sometimes more than two sides, who show up to argue their cases. 
Then there is a ruling by the judge on the law. Yet sometimes, as in 
this case, people show up at the courthouse and wish to take matters 
into their own hands in a violent manner.
  We have folks at the courthouse who protect us, not just the lawyers 
and judges, but to protect those people who come to the courthouse to 
seek justice. Those people in our system are called the security 
officers, or bailiffs, as they are called in Texas.
  More than once, unfortunately, I have had the unfortunate opportunity 
of having seen people disagree with what took place in the courthouse 
and of having seen them get out of control. Yet those security 
officers, those bailiffs, those deputy sheriffs were there to protect 
the seat of justice. These are examples of two of those. One was 
killed, and one was wounded in making sure that justice prevails in our 
justice system and that the law is not taken advantage of in a violent 
manner.
  So we honor those individuals, not just these two but the others who 
helped from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and all of 
those court officers who work every day in every courthouse in the 
United States to make sure we have a secure and a safe justice system.
  With that, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, January 4, 2010, was a Monday 
morning, the first Monday morning of the new year. This incident 
happened that morning.
  Monday mornings are always very busy, if not the busiest times, at 
courthouses throughout America. People are coming in to litigate their 
disputes, to answer calendar calls, to answer trial calendars. There 
are witnesses who have been subpoenaed. There are jurors who have come 
to court, having been notified that they need to be there. There are 
courthouse workers.
  Of course, you pass through security. It's just like we do here at 
the United States Capitol and in our legislative office buildings. We 
pass through security. Sometimes, when people are in a hurry, they get 
a little antsy, and they take that out on the security officials.
  Though, I will tell you, despite all that was ongoing on that 
morning, Judge Poe, as you well know of these things that I just spoke 
of, on that day, a madman entered the courthouse and struck at a very 
soft part of security, which is when you walk right in the door and 
before you go through security. In the midst of all of that activity 
going on, he killed Officer Stanley Cooper, and he wounded Marshal Joe 
Gardner. Had it not been for their selfless and professional conduct at 
the time, there is no doubt that others could have lost their lives or 
could have been wounded as well.
  So everywhere we have security checkpoints, the officers who man 
those checkpoints deserve our respect. They deserve our cooperation. 
They deserve our recognition as well for the fine jobs that they do. I 
want to take this opportunity to let all of those folks on the front 
lines know that we here in Congress, regardless of party affiliation, 
appreciate their service to us.
  Lastly, we wish the family of Officer Cooper, as well as U.S. Deputy 
Marshal Joe Gardner and his family, the best in the future.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1061.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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