[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 184 (Sunday, October 25, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6464-S6465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



             Recognizing Craig Johnson and Aurash Zarkeshan

  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I actually listened to the comments that 
were made by my good friend from Michigan, but I have to say this, that 
she is talking about someone who is considered by me and many others as 
arguably the most gifted jurist ever nominated to the U.S. Supreme 
Court. I want to talk about that.
  I have something else to talk about first because I think people know 
Judge Barrett by this time, but they may not know a couple of people 
they should know about.
  Earlier this year, Aurash Zarkeshan or ``Zark.'' Because of the 
complications of his name, he is called that by most of his close 
friends.
  He was overjoyed. He had just graduated earlier this year from the 
Tulsa Police Academy and was sworn in as a police officer. That was his 
life's ambition. He was a guy who was so excited that he was taking 
that step. He was a shining example of everything that you want in a 
new officer. He was bright, engaged, committed to public service. He 
wanted to give back and make his community a better place. That was 
him.
  At the end of June, only 6 weeks on patrol, he pulled over a car for 
a routine traffic stop. As we all know, there is no such thing as a 
routine law enforcement process. He and Sergeant Craig Johnson pulled 
over a car, and what happened next was horrifying and tragic. They were 
viciously shot in the head during that stop, despite many attempts to 
deescalate the situation.
  Tragically, Sergeant Johnson succumbed to his injuries. While Zark 
remained in critical condition, Sergeant Johnson left behind his wife 
Kristi and sons, Connor and Clinton. That is him here on the left--
dashing young man.
  In that moment of sorrow, the Tulsa community united in prayer and 
hope for the recovery of Zark. Since the shooting, Zark has undergone 
several surgeries. He spent months recovering in rehab. Throughout 
these months, Zark provided us with updates of his recovery and the 
progress he has been making. He even called into a class of new Tulsa 
Police Department recruits. He also went in person to his squad meeting 
and met with them.
  His progress is truly remarkable. As Tulsa Police Captain Kimberly 
Lee put it, ``He really is an example for all of us.'' That is exactly 
right. Zark is a hero. He persevered through extraordinary pain and 
strife and is now making a speedy recovery.
  Last week, on October 15, Zark returned home from 3 months of rehab, 
and he was met by friends and family and supporters who welcomed him 
with open arms. Our mayor, G.T. Bynum, declared October 15 Officer 
Aurash Zarkeshan Day in the city of Tulsa and proclaimed that Zark is 
``Tulsa's Hope.'' I couldn't agree more. Zark embodies everything that 
makes Oklahoma great.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that proclamation be printed 
in the Record at the conclusion of my remarks.
  Zark wanted to give back to his community, and he delivered. October 
15 will hold a special place in the heart of the thousands of people 
who call Tulsa home.

[[Page S6465]]

  In August, I spoke on the Senate floor regarding the riots and 
anarchy happening around the country, but I was specifically referring 
to Portland, OR, and how these events and hateful rhetoric aimed at law 
enforcement have endangered countless brave men and women who serve in 
law enforcement and how they have certainly depressed them. They talk 
about things like peaceful protests. Yet, in that case, they were 
throwing bricks at officers. They sprayed officers, nearly blinding all 
three of them. This was actually going on.
  I highlight the contrast between the violence happening in Oregon 
with how we appreciate our officers in my State of Oklahoma--what a 
contrast. Oklahomans have great respect and admiration for our men and 
women in blue. We know that law enforcement officers are our neighbors, 
our friends, and our family. They have a dangerous job, and they go 
beyond that job. I was talking to some of them the other day, and 
different ones gave different messages. While they are on duty, 
defending rights, a lot of them teach young kids how to play baseball. 
They are really great citizens.
  In the speech that I gave in August, I highlighted the attack on Zark 
and Sergeant Johnson. These attacks are a painful reminder of the 
sacrifices that law enforcement make every day. ``Defunding the 
police'' rhetoric may be politically appealing to some on the left, but 
we must remember that law enforcement is the first line of defense 
against threats like what we saw in Tulsa in June.
  I had the opportunity to talk to Zark this morning. He told me what 
was going through his mind while they were being rushed to the 
hospital. He said he was thinking: ``I hope our story reaches the 
Nation.''
  Your story, Zark, has reached the Nation. It has reached the world. 
Right now, they know what happened.
  Zark wanted people to understand what police and law enforcement risk 
every day--a sacrifice too many take for granted. He wanted people to 
know the stories of good, honorable police officers. While his tragedy 
in Tulsa is a reminder of the threats our communities face, it is also 
a story of hope, of Tulsa's hope.
  Jerad Lindsey, who is the chairman of Tulsa's Fraternal Order of 
Police, said it best: ``There's not a lot of times you get to use the 
word `miracle'.'' Zark's recovery definitely fits that bill.
  Perhaps, what is most telling and most inspiring is that Zark doesn't 
lose sight of what was lost on June 29. On his return to Tulsa on a day 
that was proclaimed to recognize his heroism, he wore a shirt that 
honored Sergeant Johnson. It read: ``Fallen but not forgotten.'' Even 
this morning, he talked about Sergeant Craig Johnson and how he had 
wanted him to return to Tulsa with him as he himself did last week.
  Now that Zark is back in Tulsa, he is going to keep up his recovery, 
but he is also looking forward to enjoying these simple things: his own 
bed, his dogs, his Whataburger--he has already been there twice--and 
the love and support of all Tulsans.
  While there are many challenges and hardships ahead for Tulsa and the 
Nation with this tragedy, this is a story of optimism and faith in our 
community and in our future. Both Zark and Sergeant Johnson are 
American heroes, and they will always be American heroes. So we say 
thanks to Zark.
  Thanks, Zark. You are great
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                         The Honorable Gt Bynum


                              Proclamation

       Whereas, on June 29, 2020, Officer Aurash Zarkeshan placed 
     himself in harms way to protect and serve the citizens of 
     Tulsa and the men and women of the Tulsa Police Department.
       Whereas, Officer Aurash Zarkeshan endured more than three 
     months of rehabilitation and multiple surgeries. His bravery 
     and positive outlook throughout his journey are admirable and 
     have been an inspiration to the city.
       Whereas, Officer Aurash Zarkeshan's strength and 
     perseverance have set an example to the Tulsa Police 
     Department and he has been a beacon of light for law 
     enforcement officers around the county.
       Whereas, Officer Aurash Zarkeshan has been declared 
     ``Tulsa's Hope'' for his service, courage, and valor under 
     fire.
       Whereas, Tulsans are excited on this day to welcome Officer 
     Aurash Zarkeshan home.
       Now, therefore, I, Gt Bynum, Mayor of the City of Tulsa, do 
     hereby proclaim October 15th as ``Officer Aurash Zarkeshan 
     Day'' in the City of Tulsa.