House Approves Hinchey's Resolution
Honoring Victims of Binghamton Shooting

The U.S. House of Representatives today approved a resolution that Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) authored in honor of the victims of the shooting that took place at the American Civic Association in Binghamton on April 3, 2009. Hinchey's resolution, H.Res. 340, expresses sympathy to the victims of the tragic shooting as well as their families and friends and the heroic law enforcement and emergency officials who responded to the scene.

Prior to House passage of the resolution, Hinchey delivered the following remarks on the House floor:

"I rise today as the Representative of the 22nd Congressional District in the State of New York, which includes that wonderful, magnificent City of Binghamton. Nearly four weeks ago, this proud community suffered a devastating tragedy. On the morning of Friday, April 3, 2009 a single gunman entered the offices of the American Civic Association and there murdered 13 innocent people and seriously wounded four more. I am here today, on behalf of Congress, to offer our formal condolences, to honor the victims of this tragedy, and to express gratitude to the heroes who responded.

"With this resolution, we remember those who were lost that day, offer our condolences to their families, express our hopes that those wounded and touched by this tragedy are on the path to recovery, and thank all those who responded. I want to thank Chairman Towns and Ranking Member Issa for their support in allowing this important resolution to come to the floor. I also want to express my deep appreciate to our Speaker and the Majority Leader for their assistance today as well.

"Binghamton, New York is a close knit, diverse community with a long history of welcoming people from all backgrounds, nationalities, and religions, as well as immigrants and visitors from anywhere abroad. It's a place where those looking for a better life are welcomed with open arms and where being a part of a community means being a part of a family.

"The American Civic Association performs no small role in this process. This organization has proudly served the community since 1935. It offers immigrants and refugees critical services such as counseling, language education, and family reunification in order to help people realize their own American dreams. Their noble work is lauded in the community and supported by people from all political parties and all backgrounds.

"The 13 individuals who lost their lives that day ranged from the age of 22 to 72 and included a mother of three, a newly-wedded bride, a student, a teacher, and many others -- all of whom were hardworking individuals who had the same goal of being able to offer a better life for their children, their families. I would like to take a moment to pay respect to those 13 victims: Parveen Ali, Almir O. Alves, Maria Sonia Bernard, Marc Henry Bernard, Li Guo, Lan Ho, Layla Khalil, Roberta King, Jiang Ling, Hong Xiu Mao, Dolores Yigal, Hai Hong Zhong, and Maria K. Zobniw.

"Shirley DeLucia was among the four who were wounded. She showed her bravery that day by placing the 911 call after being shot in the abdomen.

"I would like to thank those who showed swift and decisive action that morning. First and most importantly, I would also like to offer my utmost gratitude to the law enforcement agencies who responded so quickly and professionally to this major event. The City of Binghamton police, led by chief, Joseph Zikuski, worked in conjunction with the Broome County Sherriff's Department, the New York State Police, and other neighboring municipalities to heroically address the critical needs of the city and the people.

"I would also like to make mention of the help afforded us by our federal agencies, notably the Department of Justice for its swift action during the immediate situation, and to the State Department and the Bureau of Customs and Immigration for their assistance during the difficult aftermath.

"I would like to thank Binghamton Mayor Matthew Ryan and Governor Paterson for their efforts in organizing local and state resources in a very effective and efficient way.

"I'd also like to thank the White House for its direct response and particularly Vice President Biden for reaching out and helping to coordinate agencies on the federal level.

"Many lives were lost that day, but many more could have been lost were it not for the brave and effective actions of our men and women in uniform. They deserve our highest level of respect and gratitude.

"While we must continue with our daily lives, let us not forget those who have had their lives permanently altered by this event and let us also use this tragedy as a daily reminder of how fragile life is and to make the most of the time that we have."