Navy Yard Shooting

Floor Speech

Mr. REID. Mr. President, the Sergeant at Arms is here on the Senate floor. The Republican leader is here.

When I was doing my exercise this morning, I heard there was an incident at the Navy Yard and traffic was tied up. I didn't know what it was. Of course, coming to the Capitol I knew something was up because I saw our police officers with their automatic weapons that they usually don't carry, at least in view of everybody on Constitution Avenue and other places.

I was saddened to hear about the events here in Washington, alluded to in the prayer by the Chaplain, that occurred at the Navy Yard this morning, hearing that a number of people have been injured. I don't know all the details. We know at least there is one dead. I don't know all the details--I don't know a lot of the details of this tragedy or who the perpetrator or perpetrators may be. But according to the reports we have received, several people were killed and several were injured, including a Washington Metropolitan police officer and a military police officer. My sympathies are, of course, with those families who have loved ones who died, with those who have been injured, and my wishes go out to all of those who work in the Navy Yard complex which is a short distance from here and the surrounding neighborhood.

As usual with these events, we have to recognize the first responders who rushed to the scene and their professionalism. I don't know all about it, but I am certain it was there. My thanks go to the brave law enforcement officials who are on the scene and who put their lives on the line. Today we realize that they do put their lives on the line to keep this Capitol complex safe and the city safe.

I urge everyone in the area to follow law enforcement direction for their own safety, whether that be sheltering in place or simply avoiding the Navy Yard area today. The shooters, to my knowledge, have not been apprehended. I have been told they have their fixation on who one of them might be, but we will all continue to follow this situation as it develops.

Based upon this, as I indicated, I have spoken with the Sergeant at Arms, and the Republican leader has been advised of everything I have said and what I am going to suggest. In light of the events at the Navy Yard, we have decided to recess the Senate until tomorrow morning. The vote scheduled for this evening will be rescheduled. We will have an announcement later on the time of those votes.

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