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Today, the House unanimously passed my bill to name a Virginia Beach post office after Ryan "Keith" Cox, a victim of the May 31 mass shooting. Keith was a hero who gave his life to save his coworkers. Please see below for video and text of my floor speech to honor Keith #VBStrongpic.twitter.com/weSlslW1kP
I rise today to honor the life and heroic actions of Ryan “Keith” Cox. On May 31st, the year’s largest mass shooting in America struck our Virginia Beach community. Keith was among the 12 wonderful people who lost their lives in the tragedy. (1/11)
In his final moments, Keith showed extraordinary bravery. Keith was an active and irreplaceable member of our community. He regularly attended his father’s church, New Hope Baptist, where he sang in the choir with his renowned “golden voice.” (2/11)
He had hoped to follow his calling and in his father’s footsteps and become more active in ministry. (3/11)
For 12 years, Keith served the City of Virginia Beach as a public utilities employee. His coworkers described him as someone who was always nice to others and treated colleagues to lunch. (4/11)
One coworker called Keith a “teddy bear” who always knew what to say to make an upset colleague smile. Those who knew him say Keith embodied leadership. Keith’s friends and family agree that he made his impact by putting the needs of others before his own. (5/11)
Those who knew him say Keith embodied leadership. Keith’s friends and family agree that he made his impact by putting the needs of others before his own. Keith’s last day on Earth was no different. (6/11)
During the shooting, Keith led several of his coworkers to safety. Keith then refused to take refuge, stating: “I’ve got to see if anybody else needs help.” Keith stood watch and checked on his colleagues, voluntarily exposing himself to a deadly line of fire. (7/11)
One of Keith’s colleagues summed it up: “If it wasn’t for him, there would have been several more people that had perished.” In our community’s darkest hour, Keith prioritized the safety of his colleagues over his own. (8/11)
He was a true servant leader who made the ultimate sacrifice. This is our chance to tell Keith’s story, to showcase his heroism to our community, our Commonwealth, and our nation. (9/11)
I was proud to introduce this bill to name a local post office after Keith. When we walk by that post office and see Keith’s name, we’ll think of his sacrifice and the lives he saved. (10/11)
I thank the Virginia delegation for supporting this bipartisan legislation to honor Keith’s legacy and impact on our Virginia Beach community. I urge support of this bill and yield back my time. (11/11)
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