Lawmaker Won't Take Part in Moment of Silence for Victims

Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu says 'we need action,' not silence
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 7, 2017 12:32 PM CST

Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu says he's "heartbroken" over the victims in Sunday's mass shooting in Texas, but he posted a Facebook video explaining why he walked out on a moment of silence for them in the House. "I can't do this again," says the California representative, per the Hill. "I've been to too many moments of silences." Lieu pointed out that three of the worst such shootings in US history have taken place since he joined Congress in 2015, referring to Las Vegas (58 dead), Orlando (49), and now Texas (26). "I will not be silent," said Lieu, calling for Congress to pass stricter gun laws.

"I urge us to pass reasonable gun safety legislation, including a universal background check law supported by 80% of Americans, a ban on assault rifles, and a ban on bump stocks," he says in the video. His skipping of the moment of silence, however, is drawing plenty of criticism. "And so what better time for political vermin like #TedLieu to start his re-election campaign?" tweeted actor and conservative firebrand James Woods. Lieu anticipated such attacks, tweeting an invite for critics to call him a "vile POS," and Twitchy rounds up tweets of people happy to oblige. (More Ted Lieu stories.)

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