[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 111 (Wednesday, July 16, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H6313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
                  IN MEMORY OF OFFICER MELVIN SANTIAGO

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, my district endured a 
tremendous tragedy. Early Sunday morning, Jersey City Police Officer 
Melvin Santiago was shot at close range and killed in the line of duty 
by a madman with a gun.
  At the young age of 23, Officer Santiago had his whole life ahead of 
him. He recently graduated from the police academy and had performed 
his job with such dedication. Neighbors and family members said that he 
was an angel who was proud to say he was a Jersey City police officer.
  To me, to the people of Jersey City, and the people of the 10th 
Congressional District, Officer Santiago was a hero.
  Mr. Speaker, this is yet another reminder that we, as leaders of this 
country, must take action to address the growing gun violence.
  Parents, children, and families are living in fear to walk to school, 
to shop at the corner store, or go to the movies. In the greatest 
country on Earth, fear of gun violence should not consume our daily 
lives.
  I want to offer my condolences to Officer Santiago's family.

                          ____________________