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Senate Adjourns Due to Navy Yard Shooting (Updated)

(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Updated 2:52 p.m. | Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., announced as the Senate convened Monday that the decision had been made to adjourn the Senate until Tuesday morning in response to the shootings at the Washington Navy Yard.

Reid made the announcement following an opening prayer by Senate Chaplain Barry Black, a retired Navy rear admiral.

Black offered prayers for police officers and members of the armed forces, as well as for the victims of the shooting.

“We don’t boast about tomorrow, for no one really knows what a day may bring. Lord, we ask you to comfort the victims and families of the deadly Navy Yard shooting, providing them with a peace that the world can’t give or take away,” Black said. “Use our senators today to hasten the time when harmony will dominate discord and hope will triumph over despair.”

“My thanks go to the brave law enforcement officials who are on the scene, and who put their lives on the line, and today we realize that they really do put their lives on the line to keep this Capitol complex safe, and the city safe,” Reid said. “I encourage everyone in the area to follow law enforcement direction for their own safety, whether that means sheltering in place or simply avoiding the Navy Yard area today.”

Both Reid, a former Capitol police offer, and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., made brief comments about the shooting. The Senate will reconvene at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The Senate was scheduled to consider two judicial nominations later in the day on Monday. That action will be postponed until a time to be determined by Reid.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Terry Gainer and his team, and Chief Dine and the entire Capitol Police force, for all they do day in and day out. And for everyone else who is helping work through this tragedy — the first responders and medical personnel, the D.C. police — I want you to know one thing: we are thankful for your hard work and sacrifice,” McConnell said. “Everyone is deeply grateful, especially on days like this.”

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