As Americans awoke to news on Monday morning of a horrific mass shooting at a concert in Las Vegas, federal authorities said there did not appear to be any links to foreign terror groups, as President Donald Trump led a chorus of statements expressing the grief of the nation.
"My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting," President Trump tweeted just after 7 am. "God bless you!"
Also on Twitter on Monday morning, Vice President Mike Pence labeled the shootings "senseless violence," as members of Congress from both parties echoed that assessment.
For Democrats in Congress from Connecticut like Blumenthal, the news brought them back once more to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.
"Not again," said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT). "My heart is with Las Vegas this morning."
In recent years, Democrats have made noise about tougher gun laws, complaining that politicians only express their "thoughts and prayers," followed by a moment of silence - but do nothing else.
"Once again a nation mourns and Congress will observe a moment of silence," said Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA).
"This must end," said Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH).
But for those who do favor some type of more restrictive laws on firearms, they have been in the minority for a number of years in the Congress, even during the Obama Administration.
After the Sandy Hook shooting, efforts to push through expanded background checks on gun sales foundered, leading President Obama to instead issue a number of executive actions related to guns.
About the Author
