Conan O’Brien discusses Orlando mass shooting in strong, powerful monologue

We had a feeling that Monday night’s new episode of “Conan” would contain some sort of remembrance for the horrific shooting that took place in Orlando over the course of this past weekend; however, what we definitely did not expect was Conan O’Brien to deliver one of the most poignant, powerful monologues we’ve seen in late-night ever since David Letterman and Jon Stewart’s responses to September 11.

You can see a preview for Conan’s speech below, and here is a small sample of what he had to say:

“I have really tried very hard over the years not to bore you with what I think. However, I am a father of two, I like to believe I have a shred of common sense, and I simply do not understand why anybody in this country is allowed to purchase and own a semi-automatic assault rifle … Nobody I know or have ever met in my entire life should have access to a weapon that can kill so many people so quickly.”

There is one moment in this monologue that is met with heavy applause, and while we know that Conan does often steer clear of politics, we do personally believe that these are moments that really can be used to initiate change. Hearing from the same people so many times on the same subject can eventually lead to some sort of feeling of numbness; however, at the same time getting a new voice on the subject is something that really can work to shake things up, and at least have people listening and processing information in new ways.

What do you think about Conan’s opening monologue, and do you think that it came at the right time? Share in the attached comments. As we’ve said, our thoughts continue to go to all of those suffering do these impossibly sad times.