After a nearly 15-hour filibuster filled with impassioned speeches from 44 Democrats to demand increased gun control, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced early Thursday morning that he had secured a promise by Republican leaders to hold a vote on gun control measures. Murphy, who represents the state where the 2012 Newtown shooting occurred, led the filibuster—the eighth longest in history—on Wednesday, announcing he had “had enough” of Congress’ inaction on the issue.
I am proud to announce that after 14+ hours on the floor, we will have a vote on closing the terror gap & universal background checks
— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) June 16, 2016
This would never have happened without you. Without your outpouring of support- your calls, tweets & emails. Your deafening calls for action
— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) June 16, 2016
The reported agreement will allow lawmakers to vote on two pieces of gun control legislation: one to expand background checks and another to block individuals listed on terrorist watchlists from obtaining guns. The development comes in the aftermath of the deadliest mass shooting in American history, which killed 49 people inside a gay nightclub in Orlando on Sunday.
Shortly after 2 a.m. on Thursday, after delivering a tribute to the victims of the 2012 Newtown massacre, Murphy announced he was officially yielding the floor. Watch the powerful moment above.
