Congressional leaders remember Parkland shooting anniversary
Lawmakers mark one year since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Lawmakers commemorated the victims of the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, on Thursday, one year to the date of the tragedy.
Seventeen people were killed and 14 wounded in the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14 last year.
Democratic Rep. Ted Deutch, who represents Florida’s 22nd District, which encompasses Parkland, called for a moment of silence on the House floor to honor the victims. He also pushed Congress to pass legislation addressing gun violence
“I ask that this moment of this moment of silence not be in vain,” Deutch said.
Watch: House holds a moment of silence remembering the victims of Parkland
While many remembrances were mournful in tone, Democrats also celebrated the approval of a background checks bill in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
The legislation, approved along party lines after a contentious marathon hearing, would expand required background checks to all firearm sales. It now heads to the House floor.
Stand With Parkland, an advocacy group comprising the 17 families who lost loved ones in the Parkland shooting, lobbied for the legislation in the Republican-controlled Senate last week. The group met with Sens. Rick Scott of Florida, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Marco Rubio of Florida and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.
But because anniversaries can be a difficult time for people grieving, the families are home today.
Rep. Ted Deutch of Florida
Last month, @manueloliver00 & @changetheref visited Capitol Hill with a statue of their son Joaquin & over 100 advocates to deliver a letter to Congress demanding change.
Today, I read Patricia Oliver’s letter on the House Floor and asked my colleagues to answer her call. pic.twitter.com/ebzCg9CLtw — Rep. Ted Deutch (@RepTedDeutch) February 13, 2019
Rep. Lou Correa of California
On the eve of the first anniversary of the Parkland shooting and after more than ten hours of debate, #HR8 has been passed by the @HouseJudiciary Committee.
Not a single dry eye here. pic.twitter.com/ht8g4aGQK5 — Rep. Lou Correa (@RepLouCorrea) February 14, 2019
Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts
A year ago today, someone intent on doing harm was able to murder 17 students and teachers in Parkland because they had a military-grade gun.
We grieve with victims’ families. And we fight alongside the Parkland students to fix our laws. #ParklandStrong — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) February 14, 2019
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania
My friend and colleague @RepLucyMcBath lost her son to gun violence. @RepTedDeutch represents the students and families in Parkland, Florida. Members of @MomsDemand, who have been here all day, began to clap and shed tears.
— Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (@RepMGS) February 14, 2019
Rep. Ayanna S. Pressley of Massachusetts
Alyssa Alhadeff, 14 | #NeverAgain #ParklandStrong pic.twitter.com/Buvu9ghOL2
— Rep Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) February 14, 2019
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois
Tomorrow marks one year since the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, where 17 were killed, & 17 others were injured, in horrific gun violence. Join me in remembering those who lost their lives & pray for the continued healing of Parkland. #MSDstrong pic.twitter.com/pWsViktTy4
— Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) February 14, 2019
Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut
On this somber anniversary of the Parkland murders, we see a ray of light on the horizon: last night the Judiciary Committee moved a universal background check bill. First progress in 8 years. #HR8 #ParklandStrong
— Jim Himes (@jahimes) February 14, 2019
Rep. Lois Frankel of Florida
One year ago, our South Florida community was devastated when 17 students & staff were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas in #Parkland.
Today, we remember those taken from us far too soon. My heart goes out to their families & all those affected by this horrific tragedy. pic.twitter.com/JIjJEgNmbD — Rep. Lois Frankel (@RepLoisFrankel) February 14, 2019