[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 16 (Monday, February 4, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                         TAFT UNION HIGH SCHOOL

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I ask my colleagues to join 
me in saluting and commending Ryan Heber, Kim Fields and Mary Murphy, 
three educators who risked their lives to protect students in Taft, CA.
  On Thursday, January 10--less than 4 weeks after the horrific 
massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School--a student armed with a 
shotgun opened fire in a classroom at Taft Union High School and 
wounded two of his classmates. Today, one student remains hospitalized, 
recovering from his injuries.
  This was a tragic attack, and it is terrifying to think that it could 
have been even worse had it not been for the brave, swift actions of 
Taft science teacher Ryan Heber and campus supervisors Kim Fields and 
Mary Murphy.
  When the shooting started, Mr. Heber responded immediately. After 
ushering his other students out of harm's way, he began talking the 
shooter into ceasing his attack. Ms. Fields, who rushed to the 
classroom when she heard gunfire, joined Mr. Heber in persuading the 
attacker to put down his gun and surrender to police when they arrived 
on the scene. Meanwhile, Ms. Murphy stayed calm and made sure that 
students quickly and safely evacuated the classroom.
  Like their teacher and supervisors, the students at Taft were also 
very brave. They stayed calm and followed school safety measures. I 
commend these young people and the first responders who swiftly 
responded to the call for help.
  The students, faculty, and staff deserve our support in the days and 
years ahead, and they deserve our action to help curb gun violence and 
ensure safety at our schools in Taft and across the country.

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