WASHINGTON D.C. (KMJ) — California Congressman Ted Lieu is now making waves on social media, after walking out of a moment of silence on Capitol Hill to make a video calling for new gun control legislation. The moment of reflection was called to remember those whose lives were lost in the Texas church shooting.
The Democratic Representative for the 33rd District of California left the House of Representatives chamber Monday afternoon to start a Facebook Live video stream.
“I’m heartbroken about the children and adults killed in the worst mass shooting in Texas history this Sunday,” he told viewers.
“My colleagues right now are doing a moment of silence in the House of Representatives chambers. I respect their right to do that, and I myself have participated in many of them.
“But I can’t do this again. I’ve participated in too many moments of silences.”
Representative Lieu said he will not be silent, and highlighted his desire for new legislation to control firearms.
“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.
“We need to do that. We cannot be silent. We need to act now.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
