UNITED STATES – JUNE 2: House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., speaks to the media following the House Republican Conference meeting in the Capitol on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. (Photo: AP)
House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., was shot along with multiple congressional aides by a man with a rifle at a GOP baseball practice in Virginia Wednesday morning.
UPDATE: James Hodgkinson, a leftwing supporter of Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton, has been identified as the man who shot Rep. Steve Scalise and 4 others.
Rep. Scalise R-La., 51, was shot in the hip area and is in stable condition. He has represented Louisiana’s First Congressional District since 2008 and serves as the chairman of the House Republican Study Committee. He is married with two children.
Five people were “transported medically” from the scene, Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown said; however, it was unclear how many people had been shot.
The gunman was shot by U.S. Capitol Police, who arrived on the scene within minutes. He was apprehended and taken to the hospital. He has died of his wounds, but PPD has not confirmed that as of yet. The incident occurred at Simpson Field in Alexandria, about 10 miles from Washington D.C.
“I do believe without the Capitol Hill Police it would have been a massacre,” Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kty., said.
Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., said he left just before the shooting. But as he walked to his car a man asked him if it was Republicans or Democrats practicing. The shooting began about three minutes later, at around 7:15 a.m. It reportedly last about 10 minutes.
“The Vice President and I are aware of the shooting incident in Virginia and are monitoring developments closely,” President Trump said in a statement. “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders, and all others affected.”
President Trump followed up his statement with a tweet: “Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.”
Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a true friend and patriot, was badly injured but will fully recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 14, 2017
House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., also sent out a tweet.
This morning the hearts of the whole House are with @SteveScalise, the brave Capitol police, staff, and all those who were in harm's way.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) June 14, 2017
“There was a white male near a white van, very lethargically meandering around,” said Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio. “He looked like he was preparing to start his work day. He had a pouch. A small burlap bag within in his hand. At least that’s what it looked like.”
