Transcript of Congressman Morgan McGarvey’s Remarks in Remembrance of the Old National Bank Shooting
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 10, 2024) – Today, Congressman McGarvey (KY-03) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor Jim Tutt, Tommy Elliott, Deana Eckert, Juliana Farmer, and Josh Barrick, who were killed in the mass shooting at Old National Bank, and Chea’von Moore, who was killed in a shooting outside Jefferson Community and Technical College.
A transcript of Congressman McGarvey’s remarks is below, and a clip of the speech can be found here:
“One year ago today in Louisville, Kentucky, it was a crisp and bright Monday morning. The Easter sun had silently set the night before on the blooming dogwoods and azaleas, and a new day had sounded in, with only the squeaking of school bus brakes interrupting the birds chirping at the changing of the seasons. The perfect spring awakening to welcome families back to school from spring break, ushering the rest of us into work with a sense of rebirth and renewal.
“Louisville is lucky to be blessed with such scenes of beauty on an annual basis. The sounds, sights, and smells are familiar and wonderful. Instinctively we know that antihistamines are coming out of our bathroom cabinets and Derby is right around the corner. Spring is when Kentucky’s natural beauty, pageantry, and homegrown hospitality are on display for the world to see.
“This is why it was so shocking. You never think it’s going to happen in your community; that no one could do this. But this is why we truly did not think it was possible. Not in Louisville. Not now.
“But on April 10th, 2023, a lone gunman with an assault rifle walked into the Old National Bank on Main Street and opened fire on his colleagues. Spring’s ritual beauty was shattered by the unfamiliar booms from an AR-15, the acrid smell of smoke, sirens, and screams.
“Five people were killed. Josh Barrick. Deana Eckert. Jim Tutt. Juliana Farmer. And my friend, Tommy Elliott. These five innocent lives were taken from us far too soon.
“Josh was a loving husband and young father; Juliana Farmer was expecting another grandchild; Deana Eckert was known for her compassion and generosity; Jim Tutt was a caring community leader; and Tommy Elliott, a longtime friend who loved life, people, jokes, and stories — all will be missed.
“Eight others were wounded, including LMPD Officer Nick Wilt, who was shot with an AR-15 round in the head as he selflessly ran toward the gunman. It was his fourth shift as a police officer. Miraculously, he survived.
“And on the same day in a separate shooting blocks away at Jefferson Community & Technical College, Chea’von Moore lost his life at just 24 years old, another young woman was caught in the crossfire between classes but survived. My thoughts are with them, their family, and their loved ones today as well.
“It's been one year of living our lives without Tommy, Josh, Juliana, Jim, Deana, and Chea’von. They’ve been missed at birthdays, graduations, holidays… But we will never forget them. Their memories live on in all of us who remember and love them.
“As we honor the memories of those we lost, our community remains so grateful to every first responder who arrived on the scene that morning and leaped into action. They saved lives. To the Louisville Metro Police Department, Louisville Fire Department, FBI, EMS, and UofL Hospital trauma team: thank you for your incredible service to our community on April 10th, every day before, and every day since.
“I stand here today not just as a Member of Congress but as a lifelong Louisvillian whose community joined the long list of cities touched by senseless, preventable gun violence.
“But it's not just mass shootings that rock communities — everyday gun violence in Louisville and across our country has taken far too many lives too soon. Gun violence is now the leading cause of death in children. Children.
“There is so much more we can and must do, like combatting the root causes of crime and expanding mental health services, as well as pushing common sense gun reforms like universal background checks, extreme risk protection orders, and banning assault weapons.
“Last year, days after the Old National shooting, I stood on the steps of the Capitol with other members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and asked the Majority to bring gun safety legislation to the floor. And I’m here today asking again for my colleagues across the aisle to work with us — like they have before — to make our communities safer.
“Reflecting on what this day means to me and our community, I’m reminded of how strong Louisvillians are. Friends, neighbors, and loved ones came together to support one another through an unimaginably tough time.
“It’s been one year since our community experienced a mass shooting at Old National Bank, but one thing I know about Louisville is that we’re resilient. We carry Tommy, Juliana, Josh, Deana, and Jim’s memories with us as we continue to work to ensure no other community experiences this kind of pain.”
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