[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Pages 20161-20162]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      REMEMBERING DETECTIVE JOHN GIBSON AND OFFICER J.J. CHESTNUT

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I wish to say a brief word about a couple of 
matters. As we heard in the prayer offered by Admiral Black, some will 
remember that day 9 years ago when these two officers were killed. I 
remember it for a number of reasons, not the least of which, when I 
attended law school, I went to law school during the daytime and worked 
a full-time swing shift, a night shift, as a Capitol police officer. My 
service as a Capitol policeman was not one where I showed any bravery 
or courage or any valor; I was directing traffic much of the time. That 
was the most dangerous job I did.
  But 9 years ago today, two police officers did exemplify courage and 
valor. These two Capitol police officers, Special Agent Gibson and 
Officer Jacob Chestnut, were stationed by the east entrance on the 
House side. At 3:40 in the afternoon, a man with a gun tried to force 
his way past them. When Officer Chestnut blocked his path, the gunman 
shot him point-blank in the chest and killed him. Special Agent Gibson 
then warned nearby tourists and staff to seek cover. In fact, he chased 
the gunman down the hallway. He was headed for the House leadership's 
office. When they exchanged gunfire, one tourist was hit. Officer 
Gibson was also hit and died from his wounds, as did Officer Chestnut.
  A plaque has been placed in the Capitol Building where the 
confrontation took place, and their names are carved in the National 
Law Enforcement Officers Memorial recognizing their sacrifice.
  I knew Officer Gibson. Senate Democrats had a retreat. During that 
retreat, my wife became very ill one night. Special Agent Gibson was 
the first one there. He was carrying all the resuscitation equipment. 
He was sweating. He had run from the office where the police were 
stationed to take care of my wife. I remember how kind, thoughtful, and 
considerate he was, and how gentle he was.
  I didn't know Officer Chestnut other than exchanging greetings when I 
met him, but his reputation was outstanding, and his actions that day 
proved his enormous strength of character.
  I think of the brave police officers who protect me every day, Mr. 
President, with the skill and hard work I see firsthand each day. I 
also think of all the law enforcement men and women who keep this 
building and those who serve within it safe. We should all be grateful, 
but I am grateful beyond words.
  So on this somber anniversary, I will lay a wreath and observe a 
moment of silence for these two heroic men we lost. Our hearts, and 
certainly our thoughts, are with the families of Special Agent Gibson 
and Officer Chestnut. I have met their families on a

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number of occasions. We hope that remembering them is some comfort to 
them that the sacrifice of their loved ones will be forever remembered 
with our gratitude and utmost respect.

                          ____________________