HONORING LIVES LOST IN SANDY, OREGON, TRAGEDY

On 2026-06-04, Representative Maxine Dexter (D-OR-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING LIVES LOST IN SANDY, OREGON, TRAGEDY" in the House.

HONORING LIVES LOST IN SANDY, OREGON, TRAGEDY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 95 (Thursday, June 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 95 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)] [House] [Page H3838] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1045 HONORING LIVES LOST IN SANDY, OREGON, TRAGEDY (Ms. Dexter of Oregon was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. DEXTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the lives lost in a horrific, senseless act of violence that took place in Sandy, Oregon, on May 31, 2026. This is an ongoing investigation. More information will continue to come out in the days and weeks to come, but what we do know is that the Sandy Police Department responded to a domestic violence call that escalated into a deadly shooting that claimed the lives of 37-year-old Jenna Mary Overson, 70-year-old Mary Beth Overson, and 16-year-old Kobyn McClure, and left the entire community fearing for their lives and sheltering in place. This horrific tragedy has left family, friends, and our entire community grieving from an unimaginable loss and shaken from, once again, senseless violence. What has stayed with me this week, as our community has begun to process this tragedy, is Kobyn McClure's courage, which deserves to be known far beyond Sandy. Kobyn was a kind, respectful, and compassionate young man who stepped forward to protect young children in the face of unimaginable fear and danger. Loved ones and community members have shared that his actions during this tragedy helped save the lives of children caught in the middle of this violence. Though only 16 years old, Kobyn demonstrated a level of bravery and selflessness that many aspire to throughout their entire lives. His actions reflected the very best of our shared values: courage, sacrifice, and a commitment to protecting others, a commitment that Congress would be well to follow. Kobyn's family, friends, classmates, and neighbors remember him as a young man with a bright future, generous spirit, and heart for others. His legacy will endure through the lives touched and the example he has set for us all. Jenna Mary Overson was a devoted mother remembered by her friends for her generosity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her children and loved ones. Her loss leaves an immeasurable, unimaginable void in the lives of those who knew her. Mary Beth Overson was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, whose family and community now mourn a loss that cannot be measured. Amid this tragedy, we are reminded of the extraordinary dedication of our law enforcement officers and first responders. Members of the Sandy Police Department, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, medical personnel, and assisting agencies responded swiftly to a dangerous and evolving situation. One Sandy police officer, Sergeant Garrett Thornton, was seriously wounded multiple times by gunshots while responding to protect others and confront the threat. We are grateful for the bravery and professionalism demonstrated by every officer, deputy, firefighter, paramedic, and emergency responder who put themselves in harm's way to protect the people of Sandy. The Sandy community has shown remarkable strength in the days since. Neighbors have come together to grieve, heal, and stand beside one another. Sandy is showing us and the whole country what it looks like to hold together through the unthinkable. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Jenna Mary Overson, Mary Beth Overson, and Kobyn McClure by recognizing Kobyn's extraordinary heroism, thanking the first responders who put themselves in harm's way, and keeping the entire Sandy community in our hearts as they continue to heal. ____________________