[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 121 (Monday, September 16, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S6473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NAVY YARD SHOOTINGS

  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.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, if the majority leader would suspend.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I am sorry I didn't do that.

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