University of California at Merced

Floor Speech

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Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart to convey my thoughts, prayers, and support for the students, the faculty, and the staff of the University of California at Merced in my district, one of the rising stars and the newest university in the University of California system. It is 11 years old, with 6,700 students.

Yesterday was a very sad and unfortunate day. An incident occurred where four individuals were stabbed by a student on campus. The good news is that I am told that they will all recover, but it was a tragic act of violence. The campus was shut down.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who are part of the University of California campus at Merced, a wonderful community that I am honored to represent.

I am touched, but not surprised, by the courage and the bravery that the students have shown during this difficult time. I am also not surprised by the amount of community support that has come together over the last 24 hours.

The university community that Chancellor Dorothy Leland and the faculty have built is a tremendous support within the Merced campus. It is very special, and I know everybody is reaching out to support everyone at this difficult time.

Again, my prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their families, the faculty, the students, and the administration. We, today, are all University of California Merced Bobcats.

Stay strong and courageous. We are all with you. God bless.

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