[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 160 (Monday, October 24, 2011)]
[House]
[Pages H7004-H7005]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
UNITED STATES PENITENTIARY IN LEE COUNTY
(Mr. GRIFFITH of Virginia asked and was given permission to address
the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. GRIFFITH of Virginia. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, I rise
today with concern, concern about an incident that occurred at the
United States penitentiary in Lee County, Virginia, in the Ninth
District.
This incident occurred Friday night, and the only good news is no one
was killed. Aaron Delph, an officer there, was assaulted by an inmate
who was carrying a shiv. He was able, in the
[[Page H7005]]
conflict, to kick off a phone which sent out a silent alarm. He was
responded to. That alarm was responded to by Shawn Jones, who was also
injured in the assault.
Both of these men behaved properly and acted bravely. What did they
have to defend themselves with? Nothing, absolutely nothing, because
our regulations and rules do not allow them to have pepper spray or a
telescoping wand, baton, to defend themselves with.
H.R. 1175, introduced by Congressman Cardoza, would at least get us a
pilot project which would allow us to take care of this program. I ask
that we pass this.
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