Debbie Wasserman Schultz ignores boos during speech at DNC breakfast

Democratic national chair says she will continue to be voice for Florida

PHILADELPHIA ā€“ DebbieĀ WassermanĀ Schultz spoke Monday morning at a breakfast for Florida's Democratic delegation, hours before the start of the Democratic National Convention.

The Florida congresswoman told a raucous crowd that she was proud to have served as chair of the national Democratic Party.

She also acknowledged the early morning shooting at a Fort Myers nightclub that left two dead and at least a dozen more injured.

"I know that you and I together will continue to fight to make sure that people who should not have guns cannot get access to them," Wasserman Schultz said.

Wasserman Schultz said Sunday that she would step down at the end of the convention after emails were leaked showing that DNC staffers favored Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders.

As Wasserman Schultz took the stage, members of the audience started shouting and booing. Protesters held Bernie Sanders signs and other signs that said "Emails."

Wasserman Schultz also acknowledged the large media presence in attendance.

"So I can see there's a little bit of interest in my being here," she said.

Protesters shouted "Shame on you" and "You rigged the election" while Wasserman Schultz spoke.

"We know that the voices in this room that are standing up and being disruptive, we know that that's not the Florida that we know," she said.

Wasserman Schultz said she spoke with Clinton and President Barack Obama, both of whom thanked her for her service. She said that she looks forward to continuing to represent her constituents in Congress.

"I'm going to continue to make sure that Florida has a strong voice, to speak loud and proud on our values, and you will see me every day between now and Nov. 8 on the campaign trail," she said.


About the Author:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.