WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the tragedy at Marshall County High School in western Kentucky:
“The community of Benton, Kentucky is continuing to pick up the pieces after last week’s harrowing shooting. I would like to once again thank our law enforcement and first responders for their heroism. I’d also like to recognize Marshall County Judge-Executive Kevin Neal for his leadership when his community needs it most.
“For most of us, this tragedy is barely even conceivable. But to the parents of Bailey Holt and Preston Cope, it is now a painful reality.
“Bailey Holt was 15 years old and her mother said that she had a ‘perfect, sweet soul.’ She’s been described as compassionate, confident, and comfortable being herself. When she wasn’t busy cheering for the University of Louisville Cardinals, Bailey was always ready with a kind word or a friendly gesture for those who needed it. On social media, her family and friends are using the expression ‘Be Like Bailey,’ encouraging everyone who sees it to act with charity.
“Preston Cope, also 15, was known for being kind, soft-spoken, and a quick learner. He loved reading about history and playing baseball for Marshall County High School and the Calvert City Sluggers. Preston’s friends remember his ability to inspire them and to make them laugh.
“One of Bailey and Preston’s classmates called them ‘the nicest people I ever met. They never had anything negative to say. They always had a smile on their face.’
“This weekend, friends and family gathered at the high school gym by the hundreds to remember Bailey and Preston and to comfort one another. As the other injured students fight to recover, and the entire Marshall County community continues to grieve and heal, they’ll have Bailey’s and Preston’s example to draw on. And they have the prayers of their fellow Kentuckians, of us here in the Senate, and of the entire country.”