Congresswoman Robin Kelly breaks down talking about Chicago violence

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly was overwhelmed with emotions as she spoke about violence in Chicago.

She apologized to those attending a luncheon Tuesday at the Standard Club, saying it's been a 'rough week.'

Kelly called the gun violence in the U.S. a public health epidemic.

"I'm so relentless on this issue because moments of silence in Congress just aren't going to cut it anymore," Kelly said. "I don't even stand for moments of silence, I haven't stood for a year because my colleagues just stand up, they sit down and we do nothing. I believe in honoring the victims of gun violence through action."

Kelly said she comes from a family of police officers and hunters and that she's not anti-gun.