WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, issued the following statement in response to the deadly shooting of Federal Protective Service (FPS) contractor Lawrence Buckner at the U.S. Census Bureau facility in Suitland, Maryland:
“I send my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Lawrence Buckner, a Protective Security Officer under contract with the Federal Protective Service, who lost his life while ensuring the safety and security of his fellow Americans at the U.S. Census Bureau in Suitland, Maryland. While the investigation into this event is ongoing, I want to thank the first responders on the scene and all law enforcement personnel who were called into action by this senseless act of violence. Through this tragedy, we are reminded of the bravery of individuals like Mr. Buckner who demonstrate selfless commitment to the people they serve, and the critical mission of the Federal Protective Service to protect our homeland by keeping our nation’s federal facilities safe and secure. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those whose lives have been impacted by this terrible incident.”