La.’s Elected Leaders In U.S. House & Senate Lead Moment Of Silence

A moment of silence was held in both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate to honor the victims in the shooting at the Grand Theatre on Johnston Street.

U.S. Representative Charles Boustany led the moment of silence on the House floor. He was joined by fellow Congressmen Steve Scalise (R-Jefferson), John Fleming (R-Minden), Ralph Abraham (R-Alto) and Garret Graves (R-Baton Rouge).

Boustany: “Lafayette, my hometown, is known for its joie de vivre: we work together, we play hard together; it’s a great community, close-knit. And it has been recognized as the happiest city in America.

“But last Thursday, our community was shaken to the core as a lone gunman opened fire at the Grand Theatre on Johnston Street, killing Jillian Johnson, a musician, local artist, and local businesswoman; and Mayci Breaux at the age of 21, a radiology student. Nine others were injured in this attack.

“Senseless, horrible violence. But it would have been a lot worse if not for the heroics of our law enforcement, who were promptly on the scene and got control of the situation."

To listen/watch Boustany's complete statement, CLICK BELOW:

U.S. Senators David Vitter and Bill Cassidy led the moment of silence on the Senate floor, thanking first responders, theater staff and schoolteachers Jena Meaux and Ali Martin for their bravery in the face of evil.

Vitter: "It is a horrible, horrible incident. But I know the community of Lafayette well, I know the state well and it certainly it will not stop with pure tragedy. Certainly folks will hold up these families with love and support and prayer and work toward for a better resolution and issues involved."

Cassidy: "Lafayette and Louisiana are resilient. In times of tragedy and pain, we come together to support and care for one another. The love we have for each other, even in the darkest of times, will help Lafayette and our state and community recover."

To listen/watch Vitter and Cassidy's statements, CLICK BELOW: