Moment of Silence for Toledo's Old West End Community

Floor Speech

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Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight because, over this weekend, my beloved hometown of Toledo, Ohio, suffered tragic and senseless gun violence in our storied Old West End community.

As the annual Old West End Festival was underway Saturday evening, shots rang out. Twelve victims were injured and hospitalized. Our community is praying for them and in gratitude for all the officers and first responders who nobly rescued the injured and those medical personnel who treated them onsite and afterward.

What should have been a beautiful early summer evening filled with music, the arts, food, and friendship was interrupted by chaos. Civil authorities are working to identify and locate those responsible for these barbaric offenses against the community and our civic life.

The Toledo Police and Fire Departments and all first responders proved their courage and utter devotion to duty and restored civil order.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Under extraordinarily difficult circumstances, because there were thousands of people, they answered the call and saved innocent lives. Much of the courage and valor they displayed may never be fully seen. Our community owes them a profound debt of gratitude for their selfless service.

They were quick to secure the scene while getting those injured the urgent medical care they needed. Mercifully, all have survived, but with varying degrees of serious injuries.

As well, our community is forever grateful for the strength and quiet heroism of Old West End residents and festivalgoers who stepped up in a time of great danger. They applied tourniquets, administered first aid, and protected those in the line of fire.

My prayers remain with the victims and our Old West End community who saw a joyous celebration turn into deep tragedy. It will take time and work to restore comfort, security, and trust, and we all must help. I know our community and our region will endure because I know the people.

Please let me thank those from across our Nation and around the globe who held Toledo in prayer this weekend. The values that define our community, faith, compassion, resilience, hard work, and love of neighbor, are stronger than violence and stronger than fear.

I join our local law enforcement partners in asking anyone who might have footage or firsthand information to share that confidentially so that we can locate those perpetrators by calling Crime Stoppers at 419- 255-1111.

Together, we will find answers and a better road forward. Now, let us help our neighbors feel safe again on our streets and in their beautiful neighborhood.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join in a moment of silence.

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