Mitch McConnell Calls For Orlando Moment Of Silence And Gets Loud, Angry Response

Silence in Congress is the last thing that many people say they want following the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) tweeted Monday that the upper chamber would hold a moment of silence to honor the victims killed and wounded Sunday at a LGBT nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

Many of his fellow Americans quickly scorned the gesture. McConnell's account was flooded with angry messages that called out any such moment as a hollow effort, short of meaningful action.

Others noted the irony of a politician like McConnell calling for a moment of silence in the wake of devastating gun violence. McConnell holds an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association and opposes gun control measures like requiring tougher background checks at gun shows, mandating trigger locks and banning high-capacity magazines of over 10 bullets.

After mass shootings, "thoughts and prayers" reliably stream in from those whose campaign coffers have been filled by the NRA. But lawmakers have been facing increasing criticism for offering mere platitudes rather than meaningful policy changes. 

See more responses to McConnell's call for a moment of silence:

The Onion summed it all up in a faux commentary from McConnell titled "At Times Like This, We Need To Pull Ourselves Up, Hold Our Loved Ones Close, Block Any Legislation That Would Prevent Suspected Terrorists From Buying Guns, And Say A Prayer For The Victims."