A bipartisan group of more than 150 House lawmakers, comprised of both Democrats and Republicans, held a candlelight vigil on October 12th to honor the thousands of individuals who were killed by Hamas in southern Israel over the weekend. The vigil, which took place on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, was organized by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and led by House chaplain, Rev. Margaret Grun Kibben. Representative Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) also spoke at the event and expressed her shock at the civilian casualties caused by Hamas, reaffirming her support for Israel and the eradication of terrorist groups. The vigil occurred as GOP lawmakers remained at an impasse over the selection of a suitable candidate for House speaker. This impasse has prevented lawmakers from taking action to support Israel or pass government spending bills.