(NewsNation) — An attempt by the U.S. House to recognize slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk devolved into shouting Wednesday when one member sought to turn a moment of silence into a moment of prayer.
Colorado Republican Lauren Boebert’s suggestion for the expression of faith drew objections from lawmakers on the “left” who said the House hasn’t responded in kind to school shootings, Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., explained to “CUOMO” later Wednesday.
While McCormick says he understands that point of view, he added it’s unfortunate the brief moment has drawn undue attention.
Shouting breaks out in House after silent prayer for Charlie Kirk
“That’s a microcosm of exactly what’s wrong with America — too many people blaming, rather than too many people praying,” he said.
Boebert: Moment of silence not good enough for Charlie Kirk
Boebert, also appearing on NewsNation, confirmed that her suggestion for prayer preceded the disruption. But she told “On Balance” that Kirk, a Republican influencer credited with helping Donald Trump get elected to a second term, deserved more than a moment of silence.
Kirk was fatally shot while he appeared at a debate forum at Utah Valley University, a killing Utah Gov. Spencer Cox condemned as a political assassination. The shooter, as of late Wednesday, was still at large.
“I believe that silent prayers get silent results. If you are silent, you lose by default,” Boebert said.
She said the prayer she suggested was also for the victims shot at a high school in Evergreen, Colorado, on Wednesday.
“That’s when we were shouted down,” Boebert said.
Watching the dispute unfold was Rep. Jill Tokuda, D-Hawaii, who said the killing of Kirk had an impact on House members of both parties.
“I sat in silence because what I felt was a lot of my friends across the aisle in a lot of pain. They lost a friend, they lost somebody that they cared about, deeply,” Tokuda said. “And I felt a lot of fear on my side of the aisle, too.”
She expressed hope that the two parties can ultimately find “common ground and a way to move forward.”
