Cassidy Delivers Speech Honoring Two Louisiana Police Officers Shot in the Line of Duty

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor recognizing Captain Brett Stassi Jr. of the Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office, the son of Sheriff Stassi, and Deputy Charles Riley, who were shot in the line of duty Monday, October 6^th,, in Plaquemine, Louisiana. Deputy Riley did not survive his injuries. Captain Stassi remains in critical but stable condition.

"Mr. President, a tragedy like this reminds us that law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for us every single day," said Dr. Cassidy.

"Deputy Riley gave his life protecting our community," continued Dr. Cassidy. "We pray for his close friends and loved ones-those here who grieve the loss of someone they look up to and will deeply miss."

"We pray and hope for Stassi's strength and full recovery-and for his wife and family,"continued Dr. Cassidy.

Cassidy's remarks as prepared for delivery are below:

Mr. President,

On Monday evening, a tragedy occurred at a courthouse building in Plaquemine, Louisiana.

Captain Brett Stassi Jr. of the Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office, the son of Sheriff Stassi, and Deputy Charles Riley were shot by a suspect they were attempting to arrest in connection with a sexual assault case.

The two officers were taken to a hospital, where Deputy Riley-a six-year veteran of the Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office, husband, and father-died.

Captain Stassi, I'm told, has undergone surgeries and is in critical but stable condition as of now.

These officers were attacked while booking a sex offender.

Mr. President, a tragedy like this reminds us that law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for us every single day.

We can never take that for granted.

Deputy Riley gave his life protecting our community.

We pray for his close friends and loved ones-those here who grieve the loss of someone they look up to and will deeply miss.

Our hearts are with the fellow deputies who are hurting and the Plaquemine community.

We pray and hope for Stassi's strength and full recovery-and for his wife and family.

The support we get from law enforcement-the willingness to put themselves in harm's way-can never be repaid.

We should support law enforcement, as well as those who are suffering in the wake of this tragedy.

With that, I yield.

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