CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE STATEMENT REGARDING TRAGIC SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT IN CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Glenn Rushing
November 22, 2016 202-225-3816
Press Statement
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Statement Regarding Tragic School Bus Accident in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, released the following statement in response to the Chattanooga school bus crash:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the horrific accident yesterday afternoon, which claimed the lives of young elementary students in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A school bus carrying students from Woodmore Elementary School crashed, killing five students and hospitalizing twelve more. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the Woodmore Elementary School community and everyone else impacted by this tragedy.
“I applaud first responders for their swift and professional response to this incident, and support authorities in their continued efforts to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The 24-year old bus driver, who was allegedly speeding when he lost control of the bus, has been charged with vehicular homicide.
“I also commend the many citizens of Chattanooga, Tennessee who are coming together during this difficult time and donating blood to help treat the crash victims. Our communities have a remarkable ability to come together in times of crisis, and this is one of those times.
“As many families across the nation come together to celebrate the holidays, the community of Chattanooga, Tennessee will gather together to mourn the tragic loss of five of its young citizens. My prayers and condolences are with the family and loved ones of the five young children who lost their lives in this terrible accident, and I share the grief of everyone affected by this tragedy.”
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Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.