Senate Observes Moment of Silence for Victims of Navy Yard Shooting
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iStockphoto/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — The Senate observed a moment of silence Tuesday for the victims and survivors of the Navy Yard shooting.
“There are no words that can possibly ease the pain of the rampage and certainly the deaths involving a dozen human beings who were killed yesterday at the Naval Yard,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said on the Senate floor after the moment of silence. “I hope it’s some small comfort that this city, this institution the United States Senate and the w hole nation mourn alongside them.”
“I’d like to extend condolences to the families and friends who lost their lives or were injured in this terrible, terrible shooting. Know that your country is with you in these most difficult moments,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said.
Reid said Monday’s shooting coupled with the 12th anniversary of the September 11th attacks serve as a “reminder that life is fragile and precious.”
As he expressed his condolences for the Navy Yard victims and their families, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., referred to the Manchin/Toomey background check bill, which failed in the Senate in April, arguing that it included a check to prevent felons and the mentally unstable from obtaining a firearm.
“God forbid we go on with business as usual and not understand what happened yesterday. What happened yesterday brings into question some important values in America. If we value our right for ourselves and our families and our children to be safe, if we value this constitution, if we value the right of every American to enjoy their liberties with reasonable limitations, then we need to return to issues that are of importance,” Durbin said.
“We can protect the right of law-abiding Americans to use guns in a responsible way for hunting and self-defense but we have to keep guns out of the hands of those who would misuse them, felons, the mentally unstable who can’t be trusted to have a firearm,” Durbin added. “But today we pause and reflect on the lives lost. I hope the lesson is learned.”
Senate Chaplain Barry Black offered a prayer at the start of Tuesday’s Senate session in honor of those involved in the shooting.
“Eternal savior, who promised to never forsake us, be a shield for this land we love. As flags fly at half staff in remembrance of the victims of yesterday’s Washington Navy Yard shooting, teach us to use wisely all the time you give us. Show your mighty power during seasons of distress transforming negatives into positives and dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows,” Black prayed. “Today, guide our lawmakers inspiring them in their going out and coming in as you give them the wisdom to labor not simply for time, but for eternity. Lord bless us all with strength of will, steadiness of purpose, and power to persevere.”
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