Some members of Congress will hold up a yellow pencil Tuesday night at the State of the Union when President Obama pays tribute to those who died in the terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo in France.
Rep. Gwen Moore, Wisconsin Democrat, is leading the charge to raise pencils during the applause following the president’s mention of the shooting, but other lawmakers have confirmed they will also participate in the tribute, said Eric Harris, a spokesman for Ms. Moore.
“In the face of the terrorist attack in France, the pencil has become the international symbol in support of free speech,” Mr. Harris wrote. “Rather than divide and intimidate us, these brazen and barbaric attacks have united the international community and prompted a global response in defense of the freedom of expression.”
Earlier this month, two men attacked the satirical magazine’s office, killing 12 members of the staff.
• Jacqueline Klimas can be reached at jklimas@washingtontimes.com.
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