Norton to Hold Moment of Silence for Victims of Today’s Navy Yard Shooting

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will hold a moment of silence on the floor of the House of Representatives tomorrow, Tuesday, September 17, 2013, at about 7:00 p.m., in memory of those who lost their lives during today's Navy Yard shooting. She will be at the next briefing by Mayor Vincent Gray at 4 p.m. at 4th and I Street SE.

"My thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims and their families today," said Norton. "The Metropolitan Police Department, federal police forces, military personnel, and health care personnel have our deepest appreciation for their rapid response and efforts that aided those who were hurt and brought closure to the senseless violence, which has taken the lives of innocent people in our nation's capital. We will do all we can to assist with the coordination between the District and federal police, who have a long history of working cooperatively together to prevent and to investigate crimes of every kind.

"I have had a special attachment to the Navy Yard ever since we worked with the Clinton administration to bring the Naval Sea Systems Command, the first new facility to be located in this rapidly developing area. The renovation of the historic Navy Yard, which had been moribund for decades, started reinvigoration of the Capital Riverfront neighborhood.

"I ask that we all withhold judgment on the causes and possible remedies that may be required here. This is one of the most secure sites in the District, and the Navy has kept this facility secure without closing it to the public. Just a few years ago, the Navy built a beautiful new event center at the Navy Yard where organizations from the city and region regularly hold events. We cannot allow circumstances like today's tragic gun violence to shut down the city or keep us from engaging in normal activities."

Published: September 16, 2013