The Orlando shootings were prominent at Sunday night’s Tony Awards in New York, where hometown Sen. Charles E. Schumer said Congress needed to tighten gun laws.  

Honorees and others referenced the attack on the gay nightclub in Orlando which killed 50 people including the gunman in their remarks at the annual ceremony. Actress Nikki M. James, known for her role in “The Book of Mormon,” and Christian Borle, known for his role in “Peter and the Starcatcher,” recognized the New York Democrat.  

And when the cameras turned to Schumer in the audience, he pointed to his silver ribbon lapel pin  in an expression of solidarity with the shooting victims.  

In a statement earlier in the day, Schumer called the shootings “appalling” and said “we must double down on efforts to prevent evil people from doing these dastardly acts.”  

In an interview with CNN on the Tony’s red carpet, Schumer, wearing an orange flag pin, said that perhaps the shooting would prompt Congress to act.  

“It’s amazing in America. Even if you’re on a terrorist watch list, you can buy a gun. So we’ve got to change those laws. So maybe the horrors of Orlando will bring Congress to act,” he said.  

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