Lawmaker sheds tears reading aloud names of Orlando victims on House floor

Tears could be seen streaming down Rep. Nydia Velázquez’s (D-N.Y.) face as she read aloud the names of the victims of the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando on the House floor Tuesday.

As she read aloud the names of the 49 people who died at Pulse nightclub, Velázquez visibly struggled to contain her emotions. Her voice cracked multiple times and her eyes shined with tears. 

After finishing the list of names, Velázquez added: “We will never forget. And while we mourn your loss, your memory will inspire us to fight for change.”

{mosads}The massacre at the Orlando nightclub early Sunday morning has been deemed the deadliest shooting in U.S. history. Dozens of people were wounded in addition to the 49 who died in the attack.

FBI Director James Comey said the suspect, who died during a shootout with law enforcement, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria during a 911 call. 

Democrats have doubled down on their push for expanded gun control in the aftermath of the Orlando shooting, including a protest after a moment of silence in the House chamber Monday night.