IV

105TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION H. CON. RES. 311

Honoring the memory of Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First

Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the United States Capitol Police for

their selfless acts of heroism at the United States Capitol on July

24, 1998.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

JULY 27, 1998

Mr. GINGRICH (for himself, Mr. ARMEY, Mr. DELAY, Mr. HASTERT, Mr.

BOEHNER, Ms. DUNN, Ms. PRYCE of Ohio, Mr. THOMAS, Mr. GEPHARDT, Mr. BONIOR, Mr. FAZIO of California, Mrs. KENNELLY of Connecticut, Mr. GEJDENSON, Mr. MOAKLEY, Mr. DAVIS of Virginia, and

Mr. WYNN) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was considered and agreed to

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Honoring the memory of Detective John Michael Gibson

and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the

United States Capitol Police for their selfless acts of

heroism at the United States Capitol on July 24, 1998.

Whereas the Capitol is the people’s house, and, as such, it

has always been and will remain open to the public;

Whereas millions of people visit the Capitol each year to observe and study the workings of the democratic process;

Whereas the Capitol is the most recognizable symbol of liberty and democracy throughout the world and those who

guard the Capitol guard our freedom;
2

HCON 311 ATH

Whereas Private First Class Jacob ‘‘J.J.’’ Chestnut and Detective John Michael Gibson sacrificed their lives to protect the lives of hundreds of tourists, staff, and Members

of Congress;

Whereas if not for the quick and courageous action of those

officers, many innocent people would likely have been injured or killed;

Whereas through their selfless acts, Detective Gibson and

Private First Class Chestnut underscored the courage,

honor, and dedication shown daily by every member of

the United States Capitol Police and every law enforcement officer;

Whereas Private First Class Chestnut, a Vietnam veteran

who spent 20 years in the Air Force, was an 18-year veteran of the Capitol Police, and was married to Wen Ling

and had five children, Joseph, Janece, Janet, Karen, and

William;

Whereas Detective Gibson, assigned as Representative Tom

DeLay’s bodyguard for the last three years, was an 18-

year veteran of the Capitol Police, and was married to

Evelyn and had three children, Kristen, John, and Daniel;

Whereas Private First Class Chestnut and Detective Gibson

were the first United States Capitol Police officers ever

killed in the line of duty;

Whereas Private First Class Chestnut and Detective Gibson,

and all those who helped apprehend the gunman, assist

the injured, and evacuate the building, are true heroes of

democracy, and every American owes them a deep debt

of gratitude: Now, therefore, be it
3

HCON 311 ATH

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate

2 concurring), That—

3 (1) Congress hereby honors the memory of De4 tective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class

5 Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the United States Capitol

6 Police for the selfless acts of heroism they displayed

7 on July 24, 1998, in sacrificing their lives in the line

8 of duty so that others might live; and

9 (2) when the House of Representatives adjourns

10 on this date and when the Senate adjourns or re11 cesses on this date, they shall do so out of respect

12 to the memory of Detective John Michael Gibson

13 and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut.

Æ