U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) honored Martha Odom, a Louisiana high school senior killed in the Mall of Louisiana shooting, during a speech on the U.S. Senate floor on April 29. Cassidy expressed condolences to Odom’s family, friends, classmates, and wished those injured in the incident a full recovery.
The senator’s remarks focused on collective grief across Louisiana following recent mass shootings. “We can say that all in my state, in my country, are deeply and profoundly sorry, and that all of Louisiana grieves with Martha’s family,” said Dr. Cassidy.
He continued by asking for reflection: “I ask that this body and all who hear join in a quiet moment for the life of Martha Odom, for everyone who loved her, loves her still, and will always love her.”
Cassidy serves on several key committees including Finance; Energy and Natural Resources; and Veterans Affairs according to his official website. He has also co-founded the Greater Baton Rouge Community Clinic to provide free health and dental care according to his official website, an initiative aimed at helping working uninsured individuals.
In addition to his legislative work focusing on health care costs reduction, coastal restoration support, and mental health system reform according to his official website, Cassidy’s background includes earning undergraduate and medical degrees from Louisiana State University according to his official website. He is married to a retired breast cancer surgeon; together they have raised three children and enjoy spending time with their grandchild according to his official website.
The senator concluded by yielding the floor after inviting others to remember Odom: “So I ask this body and all who hear this to join me in a quiet moment for the life of Martha Odom, for everyone who loved her, loves her still, will always love her.”
