WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Darin LaHood released the following statement on the loss of Navy SEAL Chief Special Warfare Operator William Owens:

“This weekend, Peoria lost one of our own heroes. Chief Special Warfare Operator Ryan Owens, a Peoria-native Navy Seal, gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country and lost his life in a raid against al-Qa'ida in Yemen. This remarkable man’s sacrifice is a painful reminder of the immeasurable cost of our freedom and national security, and the dark evil we face as we wage war against terrorism.  My thoughts and prayers are with his grieving family tonight. I pray that they would take comfort that his death was not in vain and that their neighbors, community, and nation join with them in mourning his death and remembering his life. We owe him much gratitude for his exceptional service to our country.”