Senator Steve Scalise. Photo courtesy of National Journal.
Summary: House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was shot by a lone gunman this morning in Alexandria, Virginia.
A lone gunman arrived at a baseball field in a suburb in Washington, D.C., and he proceeded to unload several rounds of ammunition at the congressman practicing. According to The Hill, he shot House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), but the representative is in stable condition.
Scalise’s wife said that the Majority Whip is undergoing emergency surgery on his hip, and his staff told The Hill that he is in good spirits.
“He is grateful for the brave actions of U.S. Capitol Police, first responders, and colleagues,” Scalise’s office said. “We ask that you keep the Whip and others harmed in this incident in your thoughts and prayers.”
The gunman allegedly arrived on the field in Alexandria, VA and fired dozens of shots. He hit several people, but so far, all of his victims have been reported as being in stable condition. Police have identified the shooter as James T. Hodgkinson, who was shot at the scene and died.
Hodgkinson, 66, was from Illinois, and he had volunteered for Senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign in Iowa. He was described by a lawmaker as a “white male,” and his motivation has not yet been released, although it’s been stated that he had asked about the congressmen’s political affiliation before the shooting.
Sanders told Fox News that he was “sickened” by Hodgkinson’s actions.
“I have just been informed that the alleged shooter at the Republican baseball practice is someone who apparently volunteered on my presidential campaign,” Sanders said. “I am sickened by this despicable act. Let me be as clear as I can be. Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms.”
Fox News said that Hodkinson had a history of violence which includes arrests for battery, resisting arrest, and drunken driving,
The GOP members present on the field were practicing for the annual Congressional Baseball Game, which was set to take place on Thursday. Democratic lawmakers were practicing on another field.
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) told MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” that he had been in the batting cage when the shooting had occurred. He said that he heard almost 50 shots, and that he believed he heard the sound of the shooter reloading. He said one staffer had scrambled over a fence to run away.
Representative Mo Brooks (R-AL) said that he and another congressman had helped Scalise after he was wounded.
Two police officers were wounded by the shooter, and Paul said that he felt pride that “one of our guys” stopped the gunman by firing back.
Representative Roger Williams’ aid, Zachary Barth, was wounded, but he said on social media that he was doing ok. Another man who worked for Tyson Foods was helping out with the Congressional Baseball Game, and he was reportedly shot too.
Trump issued a statement today saying that he and Vice President Mike Pence were “saddened” by the baseball field shooting.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy,” Trump said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders, and all others affected.”
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Source: The Hill