U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fla., and members of the Florida delegation held a moment of silence this week as the U.S. House reconvened from the district work period for the victims of the August 26th Jacksonville shooting.
Bean offered the following remarks:
My home state of Florida is still reeling from shock, horror, and sorrow. Two weeks ago, on a seemingly peaceful Saturday afternoon, my community endured an evil attack.
On August 26th, in Jacksonville, Florida, three innocent people lost their lives to an act of hatred at a Dollar General store.
Angela Michelle Carr, 52-years old.
Jerrald De’Shaun Gallion, 29-years old.
Anolt Joseph “A.J.” Laguerre Jr., 19-years old.
Angela was a beloved mother and Uber driver. Jerrald was the proud father of a 4-year-old little girl. And A.J., a recent high school graduate, had just started working at the Dollar General to earn some extra money.
They each had individual passions and dreams for the future. Each one had a spark that will continue to burn bright in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved them.
Today, I join all Floridians in grieving for the victims and praying for their loved ones.
There are no words to describe our heartbreak, but also the anger we feel over this racially motivated act of evil. Hate does not belong America.
Today, my Florida colleagues and I stand in solidarity with the Jacksonville community.
May their memories be a blessing. May God bless their families.
I ask now that my colleagues in the House join us in a moment of silence to remember these three individuals.
