Marblehead Congressman, Iraq Vet Seth Moulton Done With House Moments of Silence for Mass Shooting Victims

Marblehead, MA — Congressman Seth Moulton, an Iraq War veteran who represents Marblehead, is refusing to participate in House moments of silence for mass shooting victims, arguing Congress must enact further gun control measures.

Moulton took the stance in the wake of Sunday's massacre in Orlando, in which 49 people were shot and killed at a gay nightclub by a 29-year-old Florida man wielding an assault rifle and pistol. It was the deadly mass shooting in the United States.

Moulton said citizens should not be allowed to possess such assault rifles—and he demanded Congress take action.

Moulton wrote an op-ed in Wednesday's New York Daily News:

 "The victims’ families don’t want our thoughts and prayers. They want our action, preferably before their loved ones are needlessly massacred.

There’s simply no reason for a civilian to own a military-style assault weapon. It’s no different than why we outlaw civilian ownership of rockets and landmines."

Moulton is a former Marine who served in the Iraq War.

On Monday, Democrats voiced their frustration as House Speaker Paul Ryan led a moment of silence for the Orlando victims. Some Democrats shouted "Where's the bill?" and "No leadership!"

Ryan's press secretary issued this response:

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Orlando Shooting at Pulse Nightclub

• A Framingham man was shot in the attack but survived. "I didn't feel pain, just blood," he said.
• The Boston Fire Department sent two of its own to Orlando for aid.
• Local religious organizations have taken to social media to react. The Sharon-based Islamic Center of New England has condemned the attack.
• Communities from across the state stood in solidarity with the victims. Resilient crowds celebrated their Pride in Boston (photos here).

Feature photo credit: Office of Seth Moulton