The House passed a resolution by voice vote Wednesday that pays tribute to a Deputy U.S. Marshal shot and wounded in the arm at a Las Vegas federal courthouse in January.
The resolution commends Richard J. “Joe” Gardner, a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Marshals Service, for his “actions and bravery” in response to gunman Johnny Lee Wicks, and wishes him a quick recovery. The legislation also honors court security officer Stanley Cooper, who was killed in the shooting, and all the law enforcement officials who responded to the incident.
“The brave security personnel at the courthouse, U.S. Marshals, and other emergency responders acted quickly and valiantly to ensure the safety of courthouse staff, visitors, and other bystanders in the area,” Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.), who represents Las Vegas, said on the House floor Wednesday.
Titus introduced the legislation last month. The Senate passed a similar resolution in January.
The gunman, who had a lengthy criminal record, was fatally shot by U.S. Marshals during the Jan. 4 incident. He was angry with government, according to authorities, and had sued the Social Security Administration for “race discrimination,” alleging his benefits were unfairly reduced.
