Feb 24, 2021 - Politics & Policy

In photos: Congress holds moment of silence for coronavirus victims

Congressional leadership outside of the Capitol on Feb. 23.

Congressional leadership outside of the Capitol on Feb. 23. Photo: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Congress held a candlelight vigil on the steps on the U.S. Capitol Tuesday evening in honor of the Americans who have died from the coronavirus.

Why it matters: The U.S. death toll from the virus passed 500,000 on Monday, just one year after the country's first COVID-19 death was confirmed.

In photos:
Candles outside of the Capitol on Feb. 23.
Candles outside the Capitol on Feb. 23. Photo: Al Drago/Getty Images
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi outside of the Capitol holding a candle on Feb. 23.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) outside the Capitol holding a candle on Feb. 23. Photo: Al Drago/Getty Images
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) holding a candle outside of the Capitol on Feb. 23.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) outside the Capitol on Feb. 23. Photo: Al Drago/Getty Images
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer holding a candle outside of the Capitol on Feb. 23.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) holding a candle outside of the Capitol on Feb. 23. Photo: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell holding a candle outside of the Capitol on Feb. 23.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) holding a candle outside of the Capitol on Feb. 23.
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