WASHINGTON — The US Senate opened on a somber note Thursday as Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed “deep sympathy” for the victims of the deadly explosion in Harlem.
“News reports suggest a truly tragic loss of life and a lot of injuries, so it’s a very sad day in New York today,” McConnell (R-Ky.) said in opening remarks on the Senate floor.
“As usual in a catastrophe like this, the response from firemen, police, and first responders was quick and courageous. And many ordinary citizens who just happened to be in the area showed a lot of humanity and heroism too,” he said.
“So we’re grateful for them, and we’re all hoping and praying for a full and speedy recovery for those who were injured.”
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McConnell commiserated with city residents shaken by the tragic loss of life, relating it to a horrific fire in his home state.
“A few months back, there was a horrible house fire in western Kentucky that took the lives of eight children and their mother. It was just devastating to the entire community, and still is,” he said. “So we’re thinking of them today too.”