Video captures moment Gerry Connolly’s passing breaks during hearing

Congressmembers react to Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly's passing

Congressmembers reacted to Gerry Connolly's passing during a Senate Finance hearing.

WASHINGTON - Lawmakers were stunned Wednesday after learning of Rep. Gerry Connolly’s passing during a committee hearing on Capitol Hill.

News of passing interrupts hearing

What we know:

As news of Connolly’s death broke, a gasp followed by a quiet "oh no" was heard on the livestream of the hearing. 

Committee Chair Virginia Foxx briefly paused proceedings, allowing members to reflect and pray for Connolly’s family. 

Lawmakers across the region mourned his loss and described him as a respected colleague and dedicated public servant.

READ MORE: Gerry Connolly Remembered: Lawmakers mourn Virginia Democrat’s passing after battle with cancer

Colleagues mourn loss

Connolly was a fixture in Virginia politics for decades, serving in Congress since 2009. Before that, he was elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1995 and later became its chairman in 2003. In the 1980s, he worked as a staffer for the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

READ MORE: Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly dies at 75

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