Washington, DC - Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) surrounded by Mississippi Reps. Bennie Thompson (MS-2), Trent Kelly (MS-1), and Michael Guest (MS-3) led the House of Representatives in a moment of silence to honor the life and sacrifice of Biloxi Police Officer Robert McKeithen who lost his life in the line of duty on May 5, 2019.
Before the moment of silence, Palazzo delivered the following remarks:
"I rise today along with my fellow members of the Mississippi delegation to express the sorrow and grief within our hearts. This week, the city of Biloxi lost one of our Law Enforcement officers at the hands of senseless violence.
"Officer Robert McKeithen’s end of watch was on May 5, 2019, when he was killed in the line of duty less than an hour after helping a Biloxi man out of his wrecked car. McKeithen was an Air Force veteran who served our Biloxi Police Department for nearly 24 years. He was a family man who leaves behind a wife and children. During his time as an officer, McKeithen became known for his selfless acts to put those in our community first. Particularly, he was awarded the Medal of Valor for his heroic actions during Hurricane Katrina where he went out of his way to save the lives of a family trapped in their home while the flood waters were rising.
"We have come to expect our law enforcement officers to run to the dangers we civilians run from. They choose to keep our families and neighborhoods safe never knowing if they will return home to their own families when their shift ends.
"Our community now comes together in a time of grief, mourning the loss of our fallen hero.
"Madam Speaker, at this time I ask the House to join me in a moment of silence to honor the life and service of Officer Robert McKeithen. If the House would please rise.
Thank you, Madam Speaker."
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