[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7977]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF PAUL B. EBERT AND ROBERT F. HORAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 2004

  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments 
of two distinguished civil servants from the Commonwealth of Virginia--
Prince William County Commonwealth's Attorney Paul B. Ebert and Fairfax 
County Commonwealth's Attorney Robert F. Horan.
  Both were honored as ``champions of justice'' by the Northern 
Virginia Coalition of Victim Services Providers during the 12th Annual 
Candlelight Vigil of Courage, Hope and Remembrance on April 25. They 
were presented with the Northern Virginia Coalition Championship 
Awards.
  Mr. Ebert and Mr. Horan were responsible for the prosecution of 
Washington area snipers John Allen Muhammed and Lee Boyd Malvo. As you 
know, Mr. Speaker, the sniper attacks traumatized the entire Washington 
metropolitan area in the fall of 2002. Everyone lived in fear during 
this shooting spree. These random acts of violence changed forever the 
lives of Virginians and other area residents who lost loved ones in 
these senseless crimes.
  Mr. Ebert and Mr. Horan handled this complex and high profile 
prosecution with professionalism, sensitivity for the families of the 
victims, and a strong sense of fairness and justice. They represent the 
best aspects of the legal profession and are a source of pride to 
Virginians.
  It is important to remember, as they did, that behind this 
prosecution there were real people. The sniper attacks left in their 
wake sons and husbands and fathers and daughters and wives and mothers 
among the dead and injured, as well as families, friends and 
communities who continue to grieve the loss of loved ones.
  These victims' friends and families recognized the dedication of Mr. 
Ebert and Mr. Horan to making sure that justice prevailed in the trials 
of Muhammed and Malvo. These prosecutors never forgot that they owed an 
obligation to see justice done not just for the Commonwealth of 
Virginia, but to the families who endured the loss of those they loved. 
Their compassion and outstanding professional legal work are worthy of 
recognition, and the victims' groups who honored Mr. Ebert and Mr. 
Horan deserve our appreciation as well for their willingness to speak 
out for the rights of victims of crimes.
  I draw the attention of Congress and the nation to their actions as 
an example of how people can serve their communities with distinction 
and sensitivity.

                          ____________________