House Session Disrupted by Prayer Debate Following Shooting Incident

During a House session, tensions flared when Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert vocally opposed a prayer request made in memory of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, who lost his life at a recent event. Kirk was only 31 and is survived by his wife and two children. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed Boebert’s request on the House floor.

“What purpose does a Colorado gentleman raise?” Johnson asked. In response, lawmakers could faintly hear Boebert urging Johnson to move ahead. She suggested that a loud prayer for Kirk might take some time.

“No!” several Democrats shouted back in unison.

Boebert expressed that a quiet prayer wouldn’t be sufficient, as reported by Nicholas Wu from Politico. As Johnson attempted to regain control of the session, Florida Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna interjected, shouting “y’all daums this!” along with some expletives.

Kirk had been discussing political ideology at Utah Valley University on the day of the incident, surrounded by a large audience. Footage soon circulated online of him engaging with students. A university spokesperson indicated that he was shot from approximately 200 yards away, prompting urgent security measures to transport him to the hospital. Although he was initially stable, he later succumbed to his wounds.

“Let’s wait a second. Wait a second!” Johnson shouted as he attempted to maintain order while Luna continued her outburst directed at the Democrats. He eventually informed Boebert that he would partake in a prayer after the session. Some Democrats reportedly reminded him that a school shooting had occurred in Colorado that very day.

On the same day, four students were injured in a shooting incident at Evergreen High School in Colorado. As of mid-afternoon, three were in critical condition while the fate of the fourth remained uncertain.