Dem cries out after moment of silence for Ore. shooting victims

The House paused its proceedings Tuesday night to conduct a moment of silence in honor of the victims of last week’s shooting at an Oregon community college.

But the brief moment in the House chamber wasn’t entirely silent, after one Democrat implored colleagues to take action on gun-control measures, shouting, “Now let’s do something!”

The scene began as members of the Oregon congressional delegation gathered in the well of the House chamber to lead their colleagues in the brief moment of remembrance. Nine people plus the gunman were killed and several others were injured during the shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Ore. 

{mosads}”I rise to honor and remember the lives of those who were taken too soon at Umpqua Community College on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015. I ask that all Americans pray for the friends and families of these nine victims as they grieve and rebuild from this tragedy,” said Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.).

“I’m heartened and not surprised by the acts of kindness and generosity in response to this unthinkable act. We call that UCC Strong. Roseburg Strong. It is this strong spirit that will carry everyone through this difficult time,” DeFazio said.

Tuesday’s moment of silence was the latest the House has conducted in recent months for victims of mass shootings, including the ones in Charleston, S.C.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Lafayette, La. 

Multiple Democrats lamented what they feel has become a routine practice in House proceedings.

“Now let’s do something!” Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) yelled once the moment of silence concluded, prompting applause from several Democrats around her.

Others took to Twitter to express their frustration.

“About to have another moment of silence for those killed by #GunViolence, this time in Roseburg. To honor their memory, we need to act!” tweeted Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.).

“Moment of silence for #UCCShooting victims on @HouseFloor — sadly, we will do it again until action is taken,” Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) tweeted.

President Obama is slated to visit with the families of the shooting victims on Friday.