Lawmaker says he will protest “moment of silence” in House

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Democratic congressman says he’s done with the moments of silence typically held on the House floor after mass shootings.

Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes says he will leave the House floor during the traditional moment if Republican leaders schedule one to honor 49 people shot at an Orlando nightclub early Sunday morning.

In a series of tweets Sunday, Himes says the silence doesn’t honor victims, but mocks them. He calls the observances an “abomination” and says he will not be silent. He and other Democrats have complained about the moments of silence as Republicans and some Democrats have remained opposed to additional gun controls.

Himes says in an interview Monday that he plans to talk to Democratic colleagues about leaving the floor and honoring the victims in another way.

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