Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz asked for a moment of silence at the Faith and Freedom Conference in remembrance of those who were murdered in Charleston Wednesday night.
“Today, the body of Christ is in mourning,” Cruz said. “I want to begin by reflecting on the horrific tragedy of last night at the Emanuel AME Church — that a sick and deranged person came and prayed with a historically black congregation for an hour. And then murdered nine innocent souls.”
He then said Christians and believers were “lifting up” members of the church for their tragedy and loss.
“And I just want to begin with a moment of silence remembering those who were murdered last night,” Cruz said.
After a few seconds of silence, Cruz crossed over to the other side of the podium then began again.
“It’s a new morning. A new morning, and we are gathered here today focused on our country, focused on the threats facing our nation …”
The conference is a four-day conservative event for religious activists in Washington and is considered a must for Republican presidential candidates.
