Senate holds moment of silence for fallen Capitol Police

“It’s very hard to believe that 15 years ago, Police Officer Jacob Chestnut and Detective John Gibson were killed trying to prevent a crazed man from entering the Capitol,” Reid said Wednesday morning. “I really appreciate the work the Capitol police does to keep us safe.”

{mosads}A tourist was also wounded that day, but the two officers were the only deaths. 

There is now a plaque in the Capitol commemorating the officers’ lives and they were buried at Arlington Cemetery.

“We know these men fell defending more than just a structure, though — we know they fell defending more than just the Members sent here, or even the staffs that help each of us better serve constituents and country,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said. “No, these men died while protecting everything this building represents: our democratic way of life, the freedom granted to each of us by a creator we often thank, but never see.”