[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E585-E586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE AND HEROIC ACTIONS OF RILEY HOWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2019

  Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 
life and actions of

[[Page E586]]

Riley Howell, a true hero who sacrificed himself to save countless 
lives on May 1st at UNC Charlotte.
  Riley was a 21-year-old student who had just transferred to UNC 
Charlotte last fall after studying at Asheville-Buncombe Technical 
Community College. When a former student began shooting in his 
classroom, Riley was the first to ignore the danger and charge towards 
the gunman. Despite being shot three times, he still tackled the 
shooter with enough force to knock him off his feet. Riley's actions 
prevented the shooter from reloading and allowed campus police to 
intervene before any more damage could be done. However, Riley's 
courageous actions came at a dire cost--he passed away from his wounds.
  Since Riley's passing, I have read story after story that speak to 
Riley's ingenuity, kind heart, love of Star Wars, and upstanding 
character. When folks heard about his heroic actions, they said it 
sounded exactly like what Riley would do to help someone in need or 
protect those who couldn't protect themselves. I'm as much in awe of 
Riley's actions as I am devastated that such carnage could happen at a 
place that made such a lasting impact on my life.
  As a proud UNC Charlotte alumnus, my thoughts and prayers are with 
Riley's parents, Thomas Howell and Natalie Henry-Howell, his eight 
younger siblings, and all who loved him. As a father, I cannot imagine 
the depth of their grief and I offer my deepest condolences.
  I know I speak for the entire community when I say, Riley will always 
be remembered for his heroic and selfless actions and I will do 
everything in my power to honor his memory and sacrifice.
  Madam Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the life of 
Riley Howell and his heroic actions.

                          ____________________