September 7, 2011

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following remarks today on the Senate floor. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Yesterday morning a gunman entered an IHOP restaurant in Carson City, Nevada and opened fire, killing four people and wounding several others before killing himself.

We are still learning the details of this tragedy. But we do know five of the victims were members of the Nevada National Guard.

It appears the gunman was targeting men and women in uniform, although authorities say the motive is unclear. Three Nevada National Guard members died yesterday from their wounds, as did one civilian.

Citizen soldiers willingly sacrifice time with their families and knowingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect a grateful nation. But no one expects to be in danger when they go out for pancakes in the morning.

I thank these five brave guardsmen for their commitment to Nevada and to this country. My thoughts are with them again today.

My heart also goes out to the families of the other Nevadans who were killed or wounded yesterday.

It is hard to imagine such a terrible thing taking place in the quiet town of Carson City, where I spent so much time when I was a Nevada state legislator and lieutenant governor. I wish all the citizens of Carson City well as they begin the process of healing after these shocking events.”