Moulton Statement on Navy Suicides in Norfolk, Virginia
Washington, D.C.—Congressman Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) released the following statement in reaction to reports of a fourth suicide by a servicemember stationed at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center in Norfolk, Virginia.
“I am heartbroken and infuriated to learn that four more sailors stationed in Norfolk died by suicide in the span of a few weeks. This is unacceptable and the Navy must be held accountable.
First, the sailors’ command must be investigated. This is a serious failure at many levels if leaders aren’t able to identify and intervene when the mental health of their sailors is deteriorating.
Last year, I passed the Brandon Act, which is meant to prevent situations like this from happening by improving mental health treatment and reporting for service members. I was assured many months ago that the law was well on its way to being implemented. It is beyond me why this policy has yet to be implemented.
When young people sign up to serve, they and their families accept a certain level of risk. Dying by suicide while on active duty should under no circumstances be one of those risks.
Rest assured, I will be demanding answers.”
Congressman Moulton is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a Marine veteran. Last year, he passed the Brandon Act, which was designed to protect service members who experience mental health emergencies and reduce the stigma around reporting
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